Cross-Section Measurement of the ³He(n,γ) Reaction at E_n = 24.5 keV

At 24.5-keV neutron energy, the radiative capture of neutrons proceeds with only a few parts per million compared to the scattering and (n,p) reactions. Nevertheless, the radiative capture is of interest in the study of fusion reactions, which occur in the sun or in fusion reactors. This reaction yields very high energy (20.6-MeV) gamma rays, which are outstanding above any background and therefore may be of diagnostic value in fusion reactor research. A cross-section value σ_nγ (24.5 keV) = 9.2 ± 2.0 µb is obtained, which is in good agreement with the value 12 ± 6 µb from earlier literature.