Transmutation relevant nuclear physical studies using modern technological and numerical methods. Sub-project. Neutron induced fission and other transmutation relevant processes. Final report

In the joint research project of the project partners (HZDR, TU Dresden, Univ. Mainz, Univ. Koeln, TU Muenchen, PTB Braunschweig) nuclear physics studies were conducted that are relevant for the possible transmutation of highly radioactive waste and are suitable for the maintenance of competencies in nuclear safety and radiation research. The following research topics were studied: 1) Production and experimental use of fast neutrons to study nuclear reactions relevant for transmutation. 2) Gammaspectroscopy and development of high-resolution detectors for the precise analysis of radioactive reaction products. 3) Production and use of homogeneous, thin, actinide targets to study neutron induced fission. 4) Graduate seminars and schools about nuclear safety and radiation research. In this subproject neutron-induced reactions relevant for transmutation were studied at the time-of-flight facility nELBE of HZDR. Fission chambers with high time resolution were built and the cross section of neutron induced fission of 242Pu was measured. The neutron total cross sections of Fe, Ta, W, Au, and U were determined in transmission measurements. The inelastic neutron scattering an 56Fe and nat Zr was studied through a kinematically complete experiment with detection of the scattered neutron and the emitted gamma-ray. The gamma-ray production cross section and the angular distribution of gamma-rays was measured. From photon scattering and thermal neutron capture fundamental conclusions about the dipole strength and level density in nuclei were drawn.