A Comprehensive Review of Fast Neutron-Induced (n,p) Reaction Excitation Functions and Their Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.v6i1.29.2583-2093Keywords:
Fast neutrons; (n,p) reactions; Excitation functions; Nuclear cross sections; Nuclear data evaluation; TALYS; ENDF; TENDL; Fusion technology; Neutron dosimetryAbstract
One of the most important categories of nuclear reactions to study both nuclear structure, reaction mechanisms and applications in the field of nuclear engineering is (n,p) reactions caused by fast neutrons. Accurate excitation functions of this type of reactions provide the essential cross-section data required in any reactor design, fusion, radiation shielding and dosimetry, as well as in medical isotope production, activation analysis and nuclear astrophysics. Over the last few decades a lot of experimental work and theoretical calculations concerning (n,p) reactions have been done through the use of sources based on accelerators, while the availability of more advanced reaction codes such as TALYS, EMPIRE, CoH and ALICE has made the predictions of excitation functions better across wide ranges of neutron energy. The aim of this review is to present the knowledge available about the excitation functions of fast neutron-induced reactions and to result in the ranges of neutron energy, starting from threshold and going to nearly 30 MeV. Different experimental techniques like activation methods, time-of-flight spectroscopy and quasi-monoenergetic neutron production procedures are also dealt with together with their uncertainties and difficulties in measurement. Moreover, the evaluation of major nuclear data libraries including ENDF/B, JEFF, JENDL, TENDL, IRDFF and EXFOR is carried out in order to compare discrepancies of experimental databases and theoretical evaluations. The article also discusses the developments that are being made concerning reaction modelling, potential optical model theory, pre-equilibrium process, formation of compound nucleus and theories used in this area of study. Also there are discussions of using excitation functions of (n,p) reactions, where discussed applications include reactors and fusion energy systems, among others. Emerging trends involving machine learning will also be discussed here, while suggestions for future research will also be provided to enable improvements in both areas of experimental accuracy and theoretical reliability.
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