Integrated Cross Sections of the Photo-Neutron Reactions Induced on \(^{197}\)Au with 60 \(\text{MeV}\) Bremsstrahlung

Seven photo-neutron reactions 197Au(γ,xn)197-xAu (with x=1-7) produced by the bremsstrahlung end-point energy of 60 MeV were identified. In this work, we focus on the measurement of integrated sections. Experiments were carried out based on the activation method in combination with off-line gamma-ray spectrometric technique. The integrated cross sections of the investigated reactions were determined relative to that of the monitoring reaction 197Au(γ,n)196Au. To validate the experimental results, theoretical predictions were also made using the computer code TALYS 1.9. The current integrated cross-sections of the 197Au(γ,xn)197-xAu reactions with 60 MeV bremsstrahlung end point energy are measured for the first time.

14C High Concentration Measurements with Relevance for Decommissioning of Nuclear Reactors

ABSTRACTDecommissioning of nuclear reactors requires determination of all remnant long-lived isotopes that were produced during their long functioning time of the respective facilities. Radiocarbon (14C) is such an isotope (T1/2 = 5730 yr), widely produced by neutron reactions in a thermal column of a nuclear reactor. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) uses 14C for precise dating of up to 50,000 years old archaeological artifacts. This study presents a premier AMS measurement of high concentrated 14C samples that are strictly forbidden in laboratories dedicated to perform 14C dating. The determined 14C activities range from the natural level (isotopic ratio 14C/12C = 1.2 × 10–12) up to values of 10,000 times higher. 14C bulk and depth profile concentrations were measured in the thermal column disks of a decommissioned nuclear reactor. Results have shown that the 14C concentration in the thermal column, close the reactor core is about 75 kBq/g and decreases to 0.7 Bq/g and the end of the column. Such AMS measurements are applicable for decommissioning and waste management of nuclear reactors.