12C(D, N)13N TOTAL CROSS SECTION FROM 1.2-MEV TO 4.5-MEV

The total cross section for the C12(d, n)N13 reaction has been measured for deuteron energies between 1.2 and 4.5 MeV using the Oak Ridge National Laboratory 5.5-MV Van de Graaff and a 4π graphite-sphere neutron detector. Thin natural-carbon targets (deposited onto platinum backings by electron bombardment of carbon) of thicknesses 80.0±0.5 and 92.0±0.5 μg/cm2 were used to derive the cross-section values. Ten peaks were observed in the total cross section in the above energy region. The thin-target yield was numerically integrated and a comparison was made with the experimentally determined thick-target yield. The usefulness of the C12(d, n)N13 reaction for the production of an accurately known flux of monoenergetic neutrons and its importance in the absolute calibration of neutron detectors are discussed. © 1969 The American Physical Society.