Estimate of (n,p) Cross Section for Unstable Nuclide 60Co by Multi-Step Hauser-Feshbach Model with Pre-Equilibrium Correction

Abstract

The cross section of the (n, p) reaction for unstable target nuclide ⁶⁰Co was estimated by a multi-step Hauser-Feshbach model code with pre-equilibrium correction. Parameters used in the model calculations were determined from the fitting of the cross sections to existing experimental data of (n, p), (n, α) and (n, 2n) cross sections and particle emission spectra for the adjacent stable nuclide ⁵⁹Co. The present result for ⁶⁰Co(n, p)⁶⁰Fe was compared with the values estimated from semi-empirical formulae around 14 MeV, The prediction accuracy of the present calculation is considered to satisfy the requirement for the fusion reactor applications. The theoretical model calculations with a reliable parameter set are recommended rather than the semi-empirical formulae for the important activation cross sections of exotic target nuclei including unstable ones.