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Title: Ambiguities in the elastic scattering of 8 MeV neutrons from adjacent nuclei

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6933934· OSTI ID:6933934

Ratios of the cross sections for elastic scattering of 8 MeV neutrons from adjacent nuclei are measured over the angular range {approx}20{degree} {minus} 160{degree} for the target pairs {sup 51}V/Cr, {sup 59}Co/{sup 58}Ni, Cu/Zn, {sup 89}Y/{sup 93}Nb, {sup 89}Y/Zr, {sup 93}Nb/Zr, In/Cd and {sup 209}Bi/Pb. The observed ratios vary from unity by as much as a factor of {approx}2 at some angles for the lighter target pairs. Approximately half the measured ratios are reasonably explained by a simple spherical optical model, including size and isospin contributions. In all cases, the geometry of the real optical--model potential is essentially the same for neighboring nuclei, and the real--potential strengths are consistent with the Lane model. In contrast, it is found that the imaginary potential may be quite different for adjacent nuclei, and the nature of this difference is examined. It is shown that the spin--spin interaction has a negligible effect on the calculation of the elastic--scattering ratios, but that channel coupling, leading to a large reorientation of the target ground state, can be a consideration, particularly in the {sup 59}Co/{sup 58}Ni case. In the A {approx} 50--60 region the calculated ratios are sensitive to spin--orbit effects, but the exact nature of this interaction must await more definitive polarization measurements. The measured and calculated results suggest that the concept of a conventional global'' or even regional'' optical potential provides no more than a qualitative representation of the physical reality for a number of cases. 48 refs., 14 figs., 3 tabs.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/ER
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6933934
Report Number(s):
ANL/NDM-114; ON: DE90009518; TRN: 90-010793
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English