Validation of IRDFF-II library by means of 252Cf spectral averaged cross sections.

Abstract

Spectrum-averaged cross sections (SACS) is an important quantity usable in validation of nuclear cross sections. Especially in case of dosimetrical reactions there is a request on precise validation. This paper presents SACS measured in the reference 252Cf(sf) neutron field for neutron dosimetry reactions to validate recently updated IRDFF-II library intended mainly for neutron metrology applications. It covers 46Ti(n,p)46Sc, 47Ti(n,p)47Sc, 48Ti(n,p)48Sc, 58Ni(n,p)58Co, 60Ni(n,p)60Co, 58Ni(n,2n)57Ni, 24Mg(n,p)24Na, 27Al(n,α)24Na and 63Cu(n,α)60Co threshold reactions. Measurement of 60Ni(n,p)60Co SACS is included in NEA s High Priority Nuclear Data Request List since existing data are discrepant. Spectral averaged cross sections were derived from experimentally determined reaction rates by gamma spectrometry using a same high-purity germanium detector to measure all irradiated samples. Measured spectrum-averaged cross sections agree very well within quoted uncertainties with those calculated using the IRDFF-II library. No other library achieves such good performance. Thus, the presented data support use of the cross sections of the mentioned reactions from IRDFF-II library.