Studies of 14 MeV neutron activation cross sections with special reference to the capture reaction

Uncertainties in 14 MeV neutron activation cross-section measurements, especially in neutron capture, have been studied systematically. The sources of error in the activation method have been pointed out. Some methods for the correct measurements of the neutron cross sections by the activation method have been developed. A number of new cross-section values have been determined and compared with other experimental and theoretical results. Discrepancies between former activation capture results and results of the spectrum method for 14-15 MeV neutrons have been removed with the help of the correct results measured in the present work. (author)