Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM)Geel, Belgium
http://www.irmm.jrc.behttp://www.jrc.cec.eu.int
P. Schillebeeckx, K. Volev and M. Moxon
EC – JRC – IRMM, B - 2440 Geel, (B)
Resonance self-shielding in the epi-thermal region
Workshop on Nuclear Data for Activation Analysis
Trieste, Italy, 7 – 18 March 2005
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Neutron resonances and NAA
• Basic principles of NAA
• Nuclear reaction theory
• Neutron resonances and NAA
• Resonance self-shielding for a parallel beam
• Resonance self-shielding for an isotropic beam
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
1. Basic principles of NAA
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Neutron capture process
(I)NAA
PGAA
T1/2
Sn
Eγ
Resonances
Neu
tron
Ener
gy
Cross section
Eγ
nn* E
1AASE+
+=
XA *1A X+ γ++ X1An +
A+1X
NRCA
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Capture cross section
10-2 100 102 104 10610-4
10-2
100
102
104
59Co(n,γ)
σ(n,
γ) /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
• The probability that a neutron interacts with a nucleus is expressed as a cross section σ, which has the dimension of an area
• The unit of a cross section is taken as : 1 barn, 1 b = 10-24 cm2
• To calculate reaction probabilities we express the target thickness in atoms per barn :
mA : atomic massρ : density in g/cm3
t : thickness in cmn : target thickness in at/b
tm6022.0n
A
ρ=
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Total reaction rate
The total reaction rate per atom:
depends on:
ϕ(En) the neutron flux and
σγ(En) the capture cross section
n0
nn dE)E()E(R ∫∞
γσϕ=
10-2 100 102 104 10610-8
10-4
100
104
Neutron flux per eV
Neutron Flux 59Co : σ(n,γ)
σ(n,
γ) /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Neutron flux in a thermal reactor
The neutron flux in a thermal reactor is asum of three components
• Maxwellian distribution with maximum at En = kT
• 1/E1+α distribution due to moderation process of the fast neutrons (epi-thermal spectrum)
• “Watt spectrum” of fission neutrons
At a neutron guide, the neutron flux can bedescribed by a Maxwellian distribution
(cfr. PGAA at Budapest, i.e no resonance shielding !)
10-3 10-1 101 103 105 10710-9
10-7
10-5
10-3
10-1 Total spectrum Maxw. (kT = 0.025 eV) 1 / E1+α
Fission
Neu
tron
flux
per e
V
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Reaction rate in a thermal reactor• The total reaction rate per atom is:
• To solve the integral one separates between the thermal and the epi-thermal region:
with ECd = 0.55 eV
• Conventions : Høgdahl & Westcott convention
fastdE)E()E(dE)E()E(R n
E
Enn
E
0nnn
3
Cd
Cd
+σϕ+σϕ= ∫∫
n0
nn dE)E()E(R ∫∞
σϕ=
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Importance of resonance region
• Reaction rate
– σo : capture cross section at thermal – gw : Westcott g-factor (expresses the deviation of σγ from 1/v)– ϕt : thermal neutron flux– Gt : thermal self-shielding
– IR : resonance integral– ϕe : epi-thermal neutron flux– GR : resonance self-shielding
• Cd-ratio measurements
ReRwott IGgGR ϕ+σϕ≅
ReR
CdCd IG
RFϕ
=
⇒ σo, gw, IR, GR, FCd are influenced by the resonance structure
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Transmission through cadmium
10-3 10-1 101 1030.0
0.5
1.0 e-nCd σt
Ideal
Tran
smis
sion
fact
or
Neutron Energy / eV
nCd = 4.63 10-3 at /b (1 mm)
ECd = 0.55 eV
10-3 10-1 101 103100
102
104
natCd + n
σ(n,
t) / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
2. Nuclear reaction theory
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Energy differential cross sections
238U(n,tot) = 238U(n,n) + 238U(n,γ)
σtot = σn + σγ
• Thermal
• Resonance Region : D > ΓResolved Resonance Region : ∆R < DUnresolved Resonance Region : ∆R > D
• High Energy Region : D < Γ
10-2 100 102 104 10610-2
102
106
88 90 92 940
5
10
15
Eo
Γ
D
Cro
ss-s
ectio
n / b
arn
Energy / eV
σt
σγ
σn
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Energy Differential Cross Sections
10-2 100 102 10410-3
10-1
101
103
105
σt
σn
σγ
Cro
ss s
ectio
n / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
197Au + n
10-2 100 102 104 10610-4
10-2
100
102
104 σt
σn
σγ
Cro
ss s
ectio
n / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
56Fe + n
- No capture without scattering- Relative contribution of σn and σγ to σt may be different- Boundaries of the RRR differ
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Importance of resonance structure
3.7 3.8 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.20.0000
0.0002
Tran
smis
sion
Neutron Energy / MeV
Transmission (dFe = 40 cm)
0
2
4
6
8
σ tot
/ ba
rn
IRMM 1993 ENDF/ B-VI
natFe + n
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Resonance structure
A cross section as a function of En shows a resonant structure, which can be described by a Breit-Wignershape :
with
Γ natural line width (FWHM)
ER resonance energy
( ) 22Rn
t )2(EE1~
Γ+−σ
133 134 1350
4000
8000σt
Γ
σR
ER
σ t / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Bohr’s hypothesis : Compound nucleus reaction
• Two step process(1) Formation of compound nucleus σC*
(2) Decay of compound nucleus Pr
• Partial cross section
( )( ) 22
Rn
n2n
n*C )2(EEkgE
Γ+−ΓΓπ
=σ
,...)f,,nr(r
r γ=Γ=Γ ∑
,...)f,,nr(P rr γ=
ΓΓ
=
r*Cr Pσ=σ
AX
-Sn
En
A+1X
σc*
γ
E*
AX +n
nn* E
1AASE+
+=
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Breit – Wigner formula Resonance part of the cross section
• Total Cross Section (n,tot)
• Elastic Cross Section (n,n)
• Capture Cross Section (n,γ)
( )( ) 22
Rn
n2n
nt )2(EEkgE
Γ+−ΓΓπ
=σ
( ) ( )ΓΓ
σ=σ nntnn EE
wavenumberk;)1I2(2
1J2g n =++
=
( ) ( )ΓΓ
σ=σ γγ ntn EE
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
e.g. 109Ag s-wave at Eo = 134 eV(Eo, Γn, Γγ , Jπ)
133 134 1350
4000
8000σt
Γ
σR
ERσ t
/ ba
rn
Neutron Energy / eV
133 134 1350
4000
8000
ER
σR Γ
Γγ
Γ
σγ
σ γ / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV133 134 1350
4000
8000
ER
Γn
ΓσR
Γ
σn
σ n /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
Eo = 134 eVΓn = 0.093 eVΓγ = 0.106 eVJπ = 1-
g = 3/4
ΓΓ
⎟⎟⎠
⎞⎜⎜⎝
⎛ +=σ n
2
A
A
R
6
Rg
m1m
)eV(E10x608.2)barn(
γΓ+Γ=Γ n
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Energy dependence of neutron width
• The energy dependence of the neutron width is due to the centrifugal-barrier penetrability, which depends on the angular momentum of the incoming neutron l and En
• The neutron width Γn depends on En
s-wave (l = 0)
p-wave (l = 1)
( )( ) 22
Rn
n2n
n )2(EEkgE
Γ+−
ΓΓπ=σ γ
γ
eV1E)E( n0
nnn Γ=Γ
22n
22nn1
nnn ak1ak
eV1E)E(
+Γ=Γ
10-3 10-2 10-1 100 101100
102
104
106
s - wave p - wave
σ(n,
γ) /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
ER = 1 eVΓ
γ = 100 meV
Γn = 10 meV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
3. Neutron Resonances and NAA
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Influence of resonance structure on:
• Thermal capture cross section
• 1/v behaviour of the capture cross section
• Westcott gw - factor
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
σo and contribution of s-wave resonances #1
with σo in barn
ER, Γno, Γγ in eV
∑=
γ=
ΓΓ⎟⎟⎠
⎞⎜⎜⎝
⎛ +≅σ
N
1j2
Rj
jonj
2
A
A60,o E
gm
1m10x099.4l
10-2 100 10210-2
100
102
104
ER = 5.2 eV
σ0
= 91 b
109Ag(n,γ)
σ γ / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
σo and contribution of s-wave resonances #2
• If
• Additional contribution frombound states (negative resonances)
∑=
γ=
ΓΓ⎟⎟⎠
⎞⎜⎜⎝
⎛ +≅σ>σ
N
1j2
Rj
jonj
2
A
A60,oo E
gm
1m10.099.4l
10-3 10-1 10110-2
100
102
104
106 σ
γ , total
σγ for Er = 1 eV
σγ for Er = - 1 eV
σ(n,
γ) /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
σo
En
AX
-Sn A+1X
σc*
γ
E*AX +n
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
1/v behaviour of capture cross section
• Capture cross section
• Neutron width for a s-wave neutron
• For En << ER witk kn2 ∝ En
( )nn
n v1
E1E =∝σγ
eV1E)E( n0
nnn Γ=Γ
( )( ) 22
Rn
n2n
n )2(EEkgE
Γ+−
ΓΓπ=σ γ
γ
10-3 10-2 10-1 100 101100
102
104
106
s-wave 1/v
σ(n,
γ) /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
ER = 1 eVΓ
γ = 100 meV
Γn = 10 meV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Westcott gw - factor: deviation of 1/v behaviour #1
10-3 10-1 101 10310-2
100
102
104
σ(n,
γ) E
1/2 / b
arn
eV1/
2
Neutron flux at: 300 K
59Co(n,γ)
Neutron Energy / eV
gw = 1.0004
10-3 10-1 101 10310-2
100
102
104gw = 1.7579
Neutron flux at: 300 K
176Lu(n,γ)
σ(n,
γ) E
1/2 / b
arn
eV1/
2
Neutron Energy / eV
ER = 0.14 eVER = 132 eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Westcott gw - factor: deviation of 1/v behaviour #2
The Westcott gw – factor is temperature dependent
10-4 10-2 100 10210-2
100
102
104
Neutron flux at: 10 K 300 K 1000 K
176Lu(n,γ)
σ(n,
γ) E
1/2 / b
arn
eV1/
2
Neutron Energy / eV
200 300 400 500 600 7001
2
3
4
5 176Lu(n,γ)
Wes
tcot
t Fac
tor,
g w (T
)Temperature / K
⇒ 176Lu(n,γ) temperature monitor
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Data base of resonance parameters
• Evaluated data libraries (see IAEA INDC website)
– JEF– ENDF-B– JENDL– CENDL
• Compilation by S.F.Mughabghab
“Neutron Resonance Parameters and Thermal Cross Sections”
Part A & B
NNDC, BNL, 1984
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Data base of σo, gw-factor and IR
Compilation by S.F.Mughabghab, BNL, USA
“Thermal neutron capture cross sections, resonance integrals and gw-factors”
INDC(NDS) – 440
February 2003
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
4. Resonance self-shielding for a parallel beam
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Self-shielding and multiple scattering
Parallel neutron beam on a foil or a disc
• Study the basic effects
(parallel beam is not directly applicable to NAA, but experimental verification of procedures is possible)
• Influence of resonance structure on the self-shielding factor
• Doppler effect
• Total correction factors (due to self-shielding & scattering)
• Interference effects
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Parallel beam on thin sample
• For a relatively thin sample, no scattering only self-shielding
• Infinitely thin sample
dxedx)x( x0x
tρσ−=ϕ=ϕ
dx)x()E()E(Rt
0nn ∫ ϕσρ∝ γ
( ) 1nσfornσn
e1nR tt
σn
thin
tr
<<σ=−
σ∝ γ
−
γ
γ
x
ϕ (x)
)E(n)e1()E(n)E(R
nt
)E(n
n0xn
nt
σ−
σϕ∝σ−
γ=
self-shielding factor
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
γ
γ
γ
n nn’nn’
n’’
∑=j
jRR
Ro R1 R2
Self-shielding and multiple scattering
⎟⎟⎟
⎠
⎞
⎜⎜⎜
⎝
⎛θ−⎟⎟
⎠
⎞⎜⎜⎝
⎛+θ⎟⎟
⎠
⎞⎜⎜⎝
⎛+
= 22
n
A
nA
nn
'n sin
mmcos
mmmEE
t
n
n)e1(nR
t
σ−
σ∝σ−
γ
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Self-shielding and multiple scattering factor• Calculation
– Analytical expressionsREFIT (parallel beam+ disc)SAMMY (parallel beam+ disc)
– Monte Carlo simulationsSAMSMC (parallel beam + disc)MCNP (no geometry limitations, use probability tables !!)
• Definitions
– Self-shielding without scattering : GR,0
– Self-shielding + 1 scattering : GR,1
– Self-shielding + 1,2 ,... scattering : GR,2
∫ ∫∫
∫ ∫∫
Ω=ΦΣΩ
ΩΦΣΩ
=
γ
γ
t
0
E
E
t
0
E
ER
)E,,0x()E(dxddE
)E,,x()E(dxddEG
2
1
2
1
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Examples : 56Fe(n,γ), 59Co(n,γ) and 197Au(n,γ)
Reaction ER / eV Γn / eV Γγ / eV Γ / eV ∆D / eV
56Fe + n 1147.4 0.056 0.680 0.736 1.425 59Co + n 132.0 5.150 0.470 5.620 0.470
197Au + n 4.9 0.015 0.124 0.139 0.050
10-2 100 102 104
59Co(n,γ)
Neutron Energy / eV10-2 100 102 10410-4
10-2
100
102
104
σ(n,
γ) /
barn
197Au(n,γ)
Neutron Energy / eV10-2 100 102 104
56Fe(n,γ)
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Self-shielding + multiple scattering for 56Fe(n,γ) #1
ER = 1.15 keV in 56Fe θ En / keV En’ / keV
90o 1.192 keV 1.15 keV 180o 1.235 keV 1.15 keV
90o & 180o 1.280 keV 1.15 keV
1m1mEE90
A
An
'n
o
+−
=⇒=θ
2
A
An
'n
o
1m1mEE180 ⎟⎟
⎠
⎞⎜⎜⎝
⎛+−
=⇒=θ
θ = 90o
θ = 180o
1100 1150 1200 1250 130010-4
10-3
10-2
10-1
100
101
102
R R0
R1
R2
Yie
ld p
er a
tom
/ ba
rn
Neutron Energy / eV
56Fe(n,γ) nFe = 1x10-3 at/b (t = 0.12 mm)
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Self-shielding + multiple scattering for 56Fe(n,γ) #2R
eact
ion
yiel
d [a
rb. u
nits
]
Neutron Energy / eV Neutron Energy / eV
nFe = 1.075 10-2 at/b, t = 1.3 mm
R0
R
R1R2
Rea
ctio
n yi
eld
x 10
3
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Self-shielding + multiple scattering for 197Au(n,γ) #1
Rea
ctio
n yi
eld
[arb
. Uni
ts] o Exp.
- REFIT
2 4 6 810-2
100
102
104
R R0 R1 R2
Yiel
d pe
r ato
m /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
197Au(n,γ) nAu = 6x10-4 at/b (t = 100µm)
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Self-shielding + multiple scattering for 197Au(n,γ) #2R
eact
ion
yiel
d [a
rb. u
nits
]
Neutron Energy / eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Influence of the resonance structure on GR #1
>σ<−σ− ≠>< tt nn ee
...)var2n1(ee t
2nn tt −σ+≈>< >σ<−σ−
100 120 140 1600.0
0.4
0.8
1.2
5x10-6 at/b 5x10-5 at/b 5x10-4 at/b (55.0 µm)
GR
,0(E
n)
Neutron Energy / eV
59Co(n,γ)59Co foil (1-e-n σt) / nσt GR,0
thickness <σt> σt,max
at /b µm 472 b 10539 b
5x10-6 0.55 1.00 0.97 0.99 5x10-5 5.50 0.99 0.78 0.88 5x10-5 55.0 0.89 0.19 0.46
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Influence of the resonance structure on GR #2
0 40 80 12010
15
20 This evaluation Gregoriev et al. Uttly et al. Phoenitz et al. Iwasaki et al.
σ(n,
tot)
/ b
Neutron Energy / keV
0 40 80 1201.00
1.02
1.04
GR
,2
Neutron Energy / keV
HARFOR (analytical model) SAMSMC (Monte Carlo) MCNP (probability tables) MCNP (average cross sections)
232Th(n,γ) n = 1.588x10-3 at/b t = 0.5 mm
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Influence of the Doppler effect #1
4 5 60
10
20
30
40 σ
γ
300 K 1000 K
Yie
ld p
er a
tom
/ kb
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
197Au(n,γ)
n = 6x10-6 at/bt = 1 µm
4 5 60
10
20
30
40 σ
γ
10 K 300 K 1000 K
Yie
ld p
er a
tom
/ kb
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
197Au(n,γ)
n = 6x10-5 at/bt = 10 µm
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Influence of the Doppler effect #2
Temperature Correction factor GR,2 t = 1 µm t = 10 µm
10 K 0.71 300 K 0.97 0.73
1000 K 0.98 0.76
4 5 60.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
Temperature 10 K 300 K 1000 K
GR(E
n)
Neutron Energy / eV
197Au(n,γ)
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Reaction yields and correction factors for 56Fe(n,γ)
1100 1150 1200 1250 130010-2
100
102
σγ
1x10-3 at/b (0.12 mm) 1x10-2 at/b (1.2 mm) 1x10-1 at/b (12 mm)
Yiel
d pe
r ato
m /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
56Fe(n,γ)
ER = 1147.4 eVΓn = 0.056 eVΓγ = 0.680 eVΓ = 0.736 eV∆D = 1.425 eV
Foil thickness Correction factor at / b mm GR,0 GR,1 GR,2
1x10-3 0.12 0.97 0.99 0.99 1x10-2 1.2 0.78 0.86 0.87 1x10-1 12.0 0.23 0.35 0.47
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Reaction yields and correction factors for 59Co(n,γ)
50 100 150 200100
101
102
103
σγ
5x10-6 at/b 5x10-5 at/b 5x10-4 at/b
Yie
ld p
er a
tom
/ ba
rn
Neutron Energy / eV
59Co(n,γ)
ER = 132.0 eVΓn = 5.15 eVΓγ = 0.47 eVΓ = 5.62 eV∆D = 0.47 eV
Foil thickness Correction factor at / b µm GR,0 GR,1 GR,2
5x10-6 0.55 0.99 1.02 1.03 5x10-5 5.5 0.88 1.05 1.08 5x10-4 55.0 0.46 0.67 0.86
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Reaction yields and correction factors for 197Au(n,γ)
2 4 6 8101
103
105
σγ
6x10-6 at/b 6x10-5 at/b 6x10-4 at/b
Yiel
d pe
r ato
m /
barn
Neutron Energy / eV
197Au(n,γ)
ER = 4.9 eVΓn = 0.015 eVΓγ = 0.124 eVΓ = 0.139 eV∆D = 0.050 eV
Foil thickness Correction factor at / b µm GR,0 GR,1 GR,2
6x10-6 1.0 0.96 0.97 0.97 6x10-5 10.0 0.69 0.73 0.73 6x10-4 100.0 0.25 0.26 0.27
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Interference effects, Uranium #1
0 5 10 1510-5
10-3
10-1
101
103
238U(n,γ) 235U(n,γ) + 235U(n,f) 234U(n,γ)
Y
ield
per
U a
tom
/ ba
rn
Neutron Energy / eV
LEU PowderLEU Powder with 0.048 at/b U
238U 96.97 wt%
235U 3.00 wt%
234U 0.03 wt%
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Interference effects, Cd-ratio measurements #2
0 100 200 30010-2
10-1
100
101
102
103
σγ 59Co
σt natCd
e-nσt for 1mm
Cro
ss s
ectio
n / b
arn
Neutron Energy / eV
ReR
CdCd IG
RFϕ
=
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Interference effects, Cd-ratio measurements #3
0 100 200 3000.8
1.0
1.2 nCo = 0.0001 at/b
RC
o in
Co
+ C
d / R
Co
Neutron Energy / eV
59Co(n,γ) in a mixture of 59Co and natCd
ReR
CdCd IG
RFϕ
=
FCd is influenced by the resonance structure of the cross sections
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
5. Resonance self-shielding for an isotropic beam
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Isotropic beam (NAA applications)
• Experimental data
• Only self-shielding, no scattering & Doppler effect
• Self-shielding + Doppler
• Self-shielding + scattering
• Universal method
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Experimental GR factors, F. De Corte et al.
0 200 400 6000.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00 94Zr(n,γ) 96Zr(n,γ) 99Mo(n,γ)
GR
Thickness / µm
Foil
0 200 400 600
99Mo(n,γ) Wire (diameter) Foil (thickness)
Thickness / µm
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Theoretical calculation, discussion #1
ttanconsBoltzmanthekwithm
EkT4
A
RD =∆
Reaction ER / eV Γn / eV Γγ / eV Γ / eV ∆D / eV
56Fe + n 1147.4 0.056 0.680 0.736 1.425 59Co + n 132.0 5.150 0.470 5.620 0.470 94Zr + n 2243.0 1.230 0.097 1.327 1.545 96Zr + n 301.0 0.215 0.258 0.473 0.560
197Au + n 4.9 0.015 0.124 0.139 0.050
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Theoretical calculation, discussion 96Zr(n,γ) #2
Foil GR for 96Zr(n,γ) GR,0 (theory, no scattering) Experiment
Thickness (µm) No Doppler Trubey*
With Doppler Roe*
De Corte
100 0.969 0.979 0.978 125 0.963 0.975 0.973 250 0.928 0.956 0.951 500 0.888 0.925 0.921
*Taken from P. De Neve, Thesis, Mol, 1992
De Corte 87, Aggregraatsproefschrift Hoger Onderwijs, Universiteit Gent, 1987
⇒ Importance of Doppler effect increases with thicknessespecially for ∆D ≥ Γ
Γn = 0.21 eVΓγ = 0.26 eVΓ = 0.47 eV∆D = 0.56 eV
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Theoretical calculation, discussion 94Zr(n,γ) #3
⇒ Importance of multiple scattering for Γn > Γγ
Γn = 1.23 eVΓγ = 0.10 eVΓ = 1.33 eV∆D = 1.55 eV
Foil GR for 94Zr(n,γ) thickness GR,0 with Doppler Experiment
(µm) Roe* De Corte 100 0.996 0.985 125 0.996 0.983 250 0.992 0.969 500 0.986 0.951
*Taken from P. De Neve, Thesis, Mol, 1992
De Corte 87, Aggregraatsproefschrift Hoger Onderwijs, Universiteit Gent, 1987
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Theoretical calculation, discussion 59Co(n,γ) #4Foil GR for 59Co(n,γ)
Thickness (µm)
Theory (Ro + R1) No Doppler
Lopes and Avila
Experiment Eastwood and Werner
10.2 0.810 0.840 22.9 0.690 0.700 25.4 0.675 0.630 50.8 0.554 0.590 91.4 0.455 0.460
101.6 0.438 0.450 M.C. Lopes and J.M. Avila, Nucl. Sci. & Eng. , 104 (1990) 40
T.E. Eastwood and R.D. Werner, Nucl. Sci. & Eng., 13 (1962) 385
Γn = 5.15 eVΓγ = 0.47 eVΓ = 5.62 eV∆D = 0.47 eV
⇒ Importance of multiple scattering for Γn > Γγ
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Universal curve #1
Express GR as a function of the variable
E. Martinho et al., “Universal curve of epithermal neutron self-shielding factors in foils, wires and spheres”, J. Appl. Rad. And Isot., 58 (2003) 371
foilsfortyspheresforRywiresforRy
y)E(z rt
===
ΓΓ
Σ= γ
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Universal curve #2
2p0
21res A
)z/z(1AA
G ++
−=
foilsfort5.1yspheresforRy
wiresforR2y
y)E(z rt
===
ΓΓ
Σ= γ
Resonance self-shielding in the epithermal region , P. Schillebeeckx 15_03_05
Summary• The importance of the resonance structure for NAA
– Thermal capture cross section– 1/v behaviour of cross sections– Westcott gw - factor, gw(T)– Self-shielding and multiple scattering corrections, GR
• A first estimate of the correction factor for self-shielding and scattering is given by E. Martinho et al.
• More accurate correction factors can be calculated by analyticalexpressions and Monte Carlo simulations if all relevant effects are accounted for
– Resonance structure (e.g. MCNP use probability tables)– Neutron scattering– Doppler effect
• Solution:F. De Corte et al., J. Radioanal. and Nucl. Chem., 179 (1994) 93
“In general, the best way to solve the problem of self-shielding is to avoid it ”