Fast-neutron total and scattering cross sections of elemental nickel

Fast-neutron total and scattering cross sections of elemental nickel are measured. Total neutron cross sections are determined from 0.25 to 5.0 MeV with incident neutron resolutions of a few keV. Differential neutron elastic scattering cross sections are measured from incident energies of 0.3 to 4.0 MeV at intervals of less than or equal to 200 keV. Cross sections for the neutron excitation of states at 1.156 +- 0.015, 1.324 +- 0.015, 1.443 +- 0.015, 2.136 +- 0.013, 2.255 +-0.030, 2.449 +- 0.030, 2.614 +- 0.020, and 2.791 +- 0.025 MeV are determined to incident energies of 4.0 MeV. The experimental results are examined in the context of optical and statistical models including resonance width-fluctuation and correlation effects. The present experimental results are compared with previously reported measured values and with the evaluated data file ENDF/B-IV. 6 figures, 1 table