A Measurement of the ¹⁰B(a,n)¹³N Cross Section from 2 - 8 MeV

Neutrons generated through (a,n) reactions on light nuclei are of importance for both fundamental and applied nuclear science applications. One such example is the generation of neutrons via the ¹⁰B(a,n)¹³N reaction. Boron, being ubiquitous in the earth’s crust, is a source of geoneutrons which can introduce background signals in sensitive rare-event physics searches. Boron also plays a role in first generation stars feeding CNO cycle elements via the ²H(a,g)⁶Li(a,g)¹⁰B(a,n)¹³N reaction branch. In nuclear nonproliferation applications, the ¹⁰B(a,n)¹³N reaction is an interference reaction which can alter non-destructive assay measurements. A common link between the numerous applications of the ¹⁰B(a,n)¹³N reaction is the need for improved cross section data up to the maximum naturally occurring alpha-decay energies of ~8 MeV. This presentation discusses the current progress on a 5-yr campaign to experimentally measure (a,n) cross sections on light nuclei to close gaps in underlying nuclear data. An overview of the experimental campaign and results from first measurement of the campaign ¹⁰B(a,n)¹³N, will be presented.