Cross sections for the (n,p) reaction on Pd isotopes

It has been found that cross sections for the (n,p) reaction induced by 14 MeV neutrons on isotopes of a given element decrease exponentially with increasing of the relative neutron excess of the target nucleus. The search for the limiting target Z value, beyond which the evaporation of protons from the compound nucleus is effectively suppressed by the Coulomb barrier is continued. Cross sections for the (n,p) reaction on 105,106,108Pd were measured by the activation technique. The experimental excitation curves are discussed in terms of the preequilibrium emission. The contribution of the compound nucleus is found to be negligible. (R.P.) 22 refs.; 1 fig.; 2 tabs