Al27(n, α)Na24Cross Section as a Function of Neutron Energy

The cross section for the ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(n, \alpha ){\mathrm{Na}}^{24}$ reaction has been measured as a function of neutron energy in the range $6.1<~E_n<~8.3$ Mev and at 14.8 Mev. Measurements were made relative to the fission cross section of ${\mathrm{U}}^{238}$; activation techniques were used to determine the number of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}(n, \alpha )$ events. While a number of peaks and valleys appear in the cross section versus energy curve, there is a general increase in cross section with increasing energy consistent with the Coulomb penetrability of the alpha particle.