Ground-state and isomeric-state cross sections for the 165Ho(n,2n) 164Ho reaction from reaction threshold to 20 MeV.

By using the activation technique, the cross section for the reaction 165Ho(n,2n) 164Ho was measured at two neutron energies of 13.5 and 14.8 MeV to resolve inconsistencies in the existing database. The 94- and 91.39-keV γ rays from the decay of the 164Hom isomeric state and 164Hog ground state, respectively, were recorded with a high-resolution high-purity germanium detector. The monoenergetic neutron beam was produced via the ³H(d,n) 4He reaction. The cross sections also were estimated with the talys-1.4 nuclear model code that uses different level-density options at neutron energies that vary from the reaction threshold to 20 MeV. Results are also discussed and are compared with some corresponding values found in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]