The Application of a Gamma-Ray Cascade Model to the Calculation of Neutron Energy-Dependent Capture Gamma-Ray Production Cross Sections

A simplified cascade model for the calculation of neutron-capture gamma-ray spectra is compared with experiment. In the context of the model, the simplifying assumptions involve extrapolations of measured multipole transition probabilities and equal spin-branching probabilities. Calculated and measured neutron capture gamma-ray spectra are compared for 25 elements spanning virtually the entire mass scale. Substantial agreement between calculated and measured spectra is obtained for medium and heavy nuclei. An analytical method for obtaining neutron energy-dependent capture gamma-ray production cross sections is developed. A comparison between calculated and measured fast neutron capture gamma-ray yields in ⁶⁴Cu is presented.