Measurement of the ⁹³Nb(n, n’)^93mNb reaction cross section at 14.5 and 14.9 MeV

Cross sections at 14.5 and 14.9 MeV for the low threshold energy reaction of⁹³Nb(n, n’)^93mNb were measured by the activation method at the FNS (Fusion Neutronics Source) of JAERI. Although there are multiple experimental data for this reaction cross section from the threshold to 9 MeV, only one data at 14.3 MeV has been reported by Ryves et al. The correction for low energy neutron contribution was found very sensitive on the reaction rate determination. Careful treatments were performed to arrive at final error evaluation considering neutron spectrum calculated with a Monte Carlo Code and cross section curves available. The cross sections measured in the present work are larger by more than 30% than those in both IRDF-90 and JENDL Dosimetry File, which are based on the data of Ryves et al. On the other hand, the present data are lower by 10–15% than the evaluation by Odano et al. It is highly recommended to re-evaluate the cross section by taking the present data into account.