Neutron Scattering from an Asymmetric Rotor: ¹⁹⁷Au

Differential neutron elastic-scattering cross sections of ¹⁹⁷Au are measured from [approximately equal to]4.5 to 10.0 MeV at incident-neutron energy intervals of [approximately equal to]0.5 MeV. These results are combined with previous lower-energy work by the author and associates to form a neutron-scattering database extending from [approximately equal to]0.3 to 10.0 MeV. A few elastic-scattering distributions and total cross sections from the literature are added to it, and the composite is interpreted in terms of optical-statistical, dispersion, and coupled-channels models. The results are compared with models in the literature and with relevant portions of the ENDF/B-VI nuclear data file. A collective rotational model for the prediction of neutron interactions in this mass-energy region is suggested.