Absorption cross section measurements for 252Cf spontaneous fission neutrons (LWBR development program)

Absolute absorption cross sections have been measured for 232Th and 197Au for 252Cf spontaneous fission neutrons. Irradiations were performed in an exceptionally low mass source-foil arrangement, providing a ''pure'' spectrum with few corrections. Calibration of the activation detector was achieved by irradiating identical foils in the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Standard Thermal Flux. A simple ratio technique was also used to obtain an independent estimate of the relative 232Th to 197Au integral cross sections, yielding a value in good agreement with that above. This technique was extended to 181Ta, 98Mo, and 63Cu. (5 tables, 3 figures) (U.S.)