Application of Photon Strength Functions to (n,gamma) measurements with the n_TOF TAC

Abstract

The neutron capture cross section measurements at the CERN n_TOF facility are performed using a new detection system, the segmented Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC). All measurements are performed in reference to the well known 197Au s(n,¿). The accuracy of the measurements depends on the accuracy of the TAC detection efficiency, which is calculated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. In this MC simulation photon strength functions and level densities play a major role as ingredients used for the generation of primary events, that is the electromagnetic cascades following the (n,¿) process. We have calculated the TAC detection efficiency for the case of 197Au(n,¿) by adjusting the photon strength functions of 198Au so that the simulation reproduces the experimental data. Both the MC method and the uncertainty of the results are discussed.