Differential α-production cross sections of iron and nickel for 4.3 to 14.1 MeV Neutrons

The cross section data for neutron-induced α-production are of prime importance in the evaluation of the radiation damage and nuclear heating in fusion and fast reactors. For the evaluation, energy and angular doubly differential cross sections are also required to calculate primary knock-on atom spectra. However, the experimental (n, xα) data are few and discrepant, therefore, the new experimental data are required urgently to improve the accuracy of the (n, xα) cross section data. The authors have measured the double differential (n, xα) cross sections of Fe and Ni in the neutron energy range of 4.3-14.1 MeV using a specially developed gridded ionization chamber. The present work was undertaken as a part of IAEA Coordinated Research Program for neutron-induced He production cross sections. The gridded ionization chamber and the experimental method were reported previously. Three-signals from the common cathode and two anodes were accumulated as two sets of two-dimensional data. The experimental two-dimensional data for the anode and cathode signals were transformed into the double differential cross sections. The results of the double differential cross sections, angular distributions, angle-integrated spectra in the center of mass system and total α-production cross sections are shown. (K.I.)