Cross sections for fast-neutron interaction with ytterbium isotopes

Highlights: ► The cross sections for the (n,x) reactions on ytterbium isotopes have been measured. ► Mono-energetic neutron beams using the D + T reaction; Energies: 13.5 and 14.8 MeV. ► Neutron cross-section measurements by means of the activation technique. ► Reference reactions 93Nb(n,2n)92mNb and 27(n,α)24Na. ► Data for 172Yb(n,p)172Tm and 176Yb(n,d*)175Tm are reported for the first time. - Abstract: Measurements of (n,2n), (n,p), and (n,d*) (The expression (n,d*) cross section used in this work includes a sum of (n,d), (n,np) and (n,pn) cross sections.) reaction cross-sections on ytterbium isotopes have been carried out in the range of 13.5–14.8 MeV using the activation technique. The monoenergetic neutron beams were produced via the 3H(d,n)3He reaction. The neutron energies of different directions were determined using the Nb/Zr method. Samples were activated along with along with Nb and Al monitor foils to determine the incident neutron flux. Data are reported for the following reactions: 168Yb(n,2n)167Yb, 170Yb(n,2n)169m+gYb, 176Yb(n,2n)175m+gYb, 172Yb(n,p)172Tm, 173Yb(n,p)173Tm, 176Yb(n,d*)175Tm, 174Yb(n,p)174Tm, and 176Yb(n,p)176Tm. The experimentally deduced cross-sections are compared with the existing experimental data. Furthermore, theoretical statistical model, based on the Hauser–Feshbach formalism, have been carried out using the HFTT