Differential cross-section measurements for neutron-induced $\alpha$ production reactions on carbon across neutron energy range of 6.2 to 76 MeV

Abstract

Angle-differential cross sections for neutron-induced $\alpha$ production in carbon were determined at thirty discrete neutron energy levels ranging from 6.2 to 76 MeV at the Back-n white neutron source of the China Spallation Neutron Source. Utilizing the ${\Delta}E-E$ telescopes within the Light-charged Particle Detector Array spanning angular measurements from 24.5{\deg}to 155.5{\deg} in the laboratory frame, the $^{12}C(n,\alpha)x$ reaction cross sections were obtained. These experimental findings exhibit a strong concordance with prior results and have been benchmarked against theoretical estimates from codes such as TALYS, Geant4, and assessments from the ENDF/B-VIII.0 database. Remarkably, distinct resonance-like features were observed at neutron energies of 13.7, 22.4, 29.5, and 61.8 MeV, marking their first-time identification in the literature.Furthermore, a comparative analysis involving the theoretical Distorted Wave Born Approximation was conducted.