Measurements of excitation function for 89 Y (n, 2n) 88 Y reaction in the energy range 13.90-14.71 MeV

Neutron cross-sections of the reaction 89 Y(n, 2n) 88 Y were measured by activation method using high resolution high purity germanium (HPGe) detector gamma-ray spectrometry in the neutron energy range 13.90 - 14.71 MeV. Using the 27 Al(n,α) 24 Na reaction for monitoring the neutron flux, the measured cross-section values for the 89 Y(n, 2n) 88 Y reaction were found to be 752±84 mb, 763±94 mb, 891±104 mb and 925±108 mb at the respective incident neutron energies of 13.90±0.045 MeV, 14.57±0.108 MeV and 14.70±0.115 MeV. Cross section data of this work along with the literature values plotted as a function of neutron energy provide excitation function for the reaction. The measured values are compared with the experimental values of others and with the theoretical values obtained from calculations based on the statistical model for the formation of compound nucleus and its subsequent emission of neutrons. (authors) (authors)