Double Differential Measurements of Prompt Neutrons from Photon-Induced Reactions on Actinides across the GDR Energy Range

Most applications of fission involve initiation with neutrons, but there is both practical and scientific interest in better understanding photon-induced fission. The non-hadronic interactions of gamma rays provide a different excitation mechanism than neutrons, and can therefore provide an alternate perspective on the fission process. Photoneutron data are also needed for developing concepts for nuclear and domestic security applications using low-energy photon beams to scan cargo for special nuclear materials. Our measurements on ^{235}U, ^{238}U, and ^{239}Pu were performed with beam energies from 5 to 16 MeV, making use of the unique capabilities of the High Intensity Gamma-Ray Source at TUNL. An overview of methods and recent results will be presented.