Surrogate reaction theory for obtaining (n,n') and (n,2n) cross sections from charged-particle scattering data

To obtain cross sections for neutron-induced reactions we often have to resort to indirect methods, in particular if the target nucleus is unstable. In the past few years, the surrogate reactions method [1] has been successfully applied to obtain neutron capture cross sections from alternative reactions [2-4]. In this presentation, I will discuss extensions of the surrogate approach that enable us to determining (n,n’) and (n,2n) cross sections indirectly. Challenges, in particular for nuclear theory, will be addressed and results for ⁹⁰Zr(n,n’) and ⁹⁰Zr(n,2n) benchmark cases shown.

[1] J. E. Escher et al, Rev. Mod. Phys. 84, 353 (2012).

[2] J. E. Escher et al, PRL 121, 052501 (2018).

[3] A. Ratkiewicz et al, PRL 122, 052502 (2019).

[4] R. Perez Sanchez et al, PRL 125, 122502 (2020).