Zr90andZr92: Neutron total and scattering cross sections

Total neutron cross sections of ${}_{}{}^{90}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Zr}$ and ${}_{}{}^{92}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Zr}$ were measured from 0.9 to 5.5 MeV and elastic and inelastic neutron scattering cross sections from 1.8 to 4.0 MeV. The inelastic neutron excitations of six states in ${}_{}{}^{90}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Zr}$ and more than 12 in ${}_{}{}^{92}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Zr}$ were observed. The experimental results formed the basis of an optical-statistical model interpretation including considerations of resonance width fluctuation and interference and the behavior of the optical potential near $N=50\mathrm{}$. Comparisons of measured and calculated cross sections suggested new spin assignments for a number of excited states.