Use of the associated particle technique for the measurement of neutron cross sections at small angles

Even when much nuclear data has been generated during the last 50 years, the need and demand for scattering information of fast neutrons is still a present matter for basic science and technology. Attending its application, it is relevant to observe that, in general, the data is scarce for small angle scattering of (MeV) neutrons for elements of technological importance such as V, Ti, Fe, Cu, Zr, etc. With this in mind, we have contemplated the measurement of neutron scattering cross sections, at angles < 40 degrees for some of these elements, using the associated particle technique, and for which a versatile (thin wall) vacuum scattering chamber is to be constructed. Some preliminary results concerning the scattering of 2.2 MeV neutrons by natural Pb, using the D(d,n)3He reaction as a source, are presented. (Author)