Neutron capture cross section measurements: case of lutetium isotopes

The neutron radiative capture is a nuclear reaction that occurs in the presence of neutrons on all isotopes and on a wide energy range. The neutron capture range on Lutetium isotopes, presented here, illustrates the variety of measurements leading to the determination of cross sections. These measurements provide valuable fundamental data needed for the stockpile stewardship program, as well as for nuclear astrophysics and nuclear structure. Measurements, made in France or in United-States, involving complex detectors associated with very rare targets have significantly improved the international databases and validated models of nuclear reactions. We present results concerning the measurement of neutron radiative capture on Lu173, Lu175, Lu176 and Lu177m, the measurement of the probability of gamma emission in the substitution reaction Yb174(He3,pγ)Lu176. The measurement of neutron cross sections on Lu177m have permitted to highlight the process of super-elastic scattering