24 keV neutron capture studies in Mo isotopes

Partial cross sections for radiative capture of 24.3 keV neutrons leading to low-lying states of the residual nuclides have been measured for even-$A$ molybdenum targets: ${}_{}{}^{92}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Mo}$, ${}_{}{}^{94}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Mo}$, ${}_{}{}^{96}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Mo}$, and ${}_{}{}^{98}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{Mo}$. Absolute values of these cross sections were obtained by use of the ${}_{}{}^{10}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{B}(n, \alpha )$ reaction as a reference. These cross sections show correlations to the ($d, p$) spectroscopic factors for the final states. The expected cross sections are calculated using various models. The single-particle estimates and giant dipole resonance extrapolations are shown to be inadequate. Although a valence neutron transition model can account for the observed correlations, it is inadequate to account for the observed strength. The evidence favors a significant contribution from three quasiparticle components in the capturing states.