Measurement of 27Al (α,n) thick-target yields by activation and 27Al (α,nγ) reaction prompt γ rays

Abstract

This work presents a study of the 27Al(α, n) reaction over an extended energy range (3.5–15 MeV) relative to previous datasets, performed at the Centro de Micro-Análisis de Materiales in Madrid. Thick-target yields were obtained from activation by the online measurement of the decay of the 30P reaction product, using the recently developed Gamma-detection Array for Reaction Yield measurements. The results show good agreement with existing data and confirm the newest thick-target yields at low energies. Direct 27Al(α,nγ)30P γ-yields were measured in order to address (α, n) branches to excited states in 30P. The angular dependence of the emitted prompt γ rays was investigated, revealing significant differences as a function of angle with respect to the beam direction. The results provide benchmark data for future (α, n) yield studies using online activation measurements and prompt γ-ray detection.