Fast neutron physics and nuclear data at Argonne National Laboratory

The objectives of the program described in this paper are to provide quantitative nuclear data for applications and to investigate properties of nuclei that can be fruitfully explored through neutron-nucleus interactions. The work involves experiments, theory, evaluations, and the generation of engineering parameters. The principal experimental facility is a tandem Dynamitron accelerator used as a pulsed or steady-state neutron source. Monoenergetic neutrons from a few kilo-electron-volts to above 10 MeV are obtainable. They are essential for certain measurements, e.g., emitted-particle spectra by time of flight (TOF) and differential activity production. Intense continuum-neutron spectra can also be produced when required. This laboratory has a unique ten-channel TOF spectrometer and a superb collection of 108 calibrated fission deposits. Theoretical studies involve advanced nuclear calculations that incorporate optical-, statistical-, coupled-channel, and shelli-model approaches. Statistical methods are used for data analysis and evaluations. Many of these analytical procedures were developed in this program. the capabilities and specific program of this fast-neutron laboratory complement those of other national facilities dedicated to the study of thermal-, epithermal-, and resonance-energy phenomena