The Neutron Scattering Cross Section and Angular Distribution Measurement Program at LANL

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87544, USA

^* Corresponding author: kkelly@lanl.gov

Published online: 26 May 2023

Abstract

Neutron scattering cross sections and angular distributions are leading terms in descriptions of neutron transport through any system. Despite the fundamental importance of nuclear data on these quantities, significant gaps in understanding and lack of experimental data persist in heavier elements and down to lighter structural materials, such as iron and aluminum. Recent measurements on carbon have also shown definitive proof that the neutron angular distribution can change with respect to the emission angle of γ-rays from inelastic scattering, thereby complicating γ-tagged measurements of inelastic neutron scattering. In this work, we describe the emerging program at Los Alamos National Laboratory for measurements of neutron scattering cross sections and neutron, γ-ray, and correlated n-γ angular distributions utilizing liquid scintillator detectors and the Correlated Gamma-Neutron Array for Scattering (CoGNAC) of CLYC scintillators. Currently, these detectors are operated simultaneously with the in-progress array of CLYC detectors in an inverted position, and data analysis techniques are being developed to span scattering measurements from light nuclei up through actinides. Preliminary results for measurements on ¹²C, ²⁷Al, and ⁵⁶Fe are presented here with a description of the analysis methods applied and anticipated capabilities of the full-scale detection system.