Neutron capture on 94Zr: Resonance parameters and Maxwellian-averaged cross sections

Abstract

The neutron capture cross sections of the Zr isotopes play an important role in nucleosynthesis studies. The s-process reaction flow between the Fe seed and the heavier isotopes passes through the neutron magic nucleus Zr90 and through Zr91,92,93,94, but only part of the flow extends to Zr96 because of the branching point at Zr95. Apart from their effect on the s-process flow, the comparably small isotopic (n,γ) cross sections make Zr also an interesting structural material for nuclear reactors. The Zr94 (n,γ) cross section has been measured with high resolution at the spallation neutron source n-TOF at CERN and resonance parameters are reported up to 60 keV neutron energy.