Neutron Capture Data in the keV Region: Problems and Perspectives

Full text of publication follows: Over the last two decades, advanced experimental techniques have led to significant progress in establishing reliable neutron capture cross sections all over the nuclide chart. However, the new generation of measurements has also revealed unacceptable discrepancies, in particular with data obtained prior to 1980. Possible reasons for these problems are outlined at characteristic examples. Future efforts should attempt to apply independent and complementary methods in order to achieve consistent and reliable solutions. This approach is most important for the accurate assessment of key cross sections in various fields. (author)