Measurement of the Prompt k₀-factors for the Strong Non-1/v Absorbers relative to Cl

Abstract

Prompt k₀-factors are determined for the strong non-1/v absorbers such as cadmium and gadolinium, relative to chlorine by using the new SNU-KAERI PGAA (Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis) facility at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. For the experimental k₀ determination, the modified Høgdall formalism including the correction factor for the influence of neutron spectrum and neutron capture cross section on the reaction rate is used. The sensitivity data are measured by using Gd + NaCl solutions and Cd + NaCl solutions with various elemental contents. Efficiency calibration of the detector is performed by using a set of standard radioisotope sources and ³⁵Cl(n,g) and ¹⁴N(n,g) reactions. For the correction for the non-l/v neutron capture cross section on reaction rate, the effective g-factor is calculated and the influence of epithermal neutron component on the reaction rate is evaluated from the measured cadmium ratio.

Keywords:

• prompt k₀-factor
• PGAA
• effective g-factor
• cadmium
• gadolinium
• chlorine