Experimental challenges and first cross-section results for Fe(n,Xp) reactions

by Lucas de Arruda (3^rd year PhD student)

The reaction models used for calculating double-differential cross sections for light charged particles produced in neutron induced reactions strongly rely on experimental data for benchmarking and improvement. However, due to historical limitations, there is still a scarcity of reliable data,  especially for incident neutron energies above 14 MeV.

Measurements of double-differential cross sections for strategic materials such as Fe, C, and Cr have a strong impact on studies of the behavior of structural materials under intense radiation fields. This is a key objective of facilities such as IFMIF-DONES, as well as for dosimetry and aerospace applications, which greatly benefit from a better description and
understanding of the outcomes of such reactions.

We recently performed double differential cross sections measurements for light charged particles production in neutron induced reactions on natFe target, in one of the recent experimental campaigns at GANIL-NFS. For this experiment, we used the Medley experimental setup, originally developed and operated at Uppsala with quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams.

In this presentation, the main technical challenges and solutions implemented to adapt Medley to the white neutron beam environment will be discussed. Our first results for proton double-differential cross sections from Fe(n,Xp) reactions will be presented. Additionally, an update on the ongoing analysis of data from other experimental runs using the same
setup, and an outline of our next steps for further measurements will be provided.