A study on (n, α) reaction cross sections using a new empirical systematic

In this article, we report a new empirical formula for quick calculation of cross sections of (n, α) reactions with 14–15 MeV neutrons. Cross sections are analysed in terms of the compound nucleus model. A systematic trend for 14–15 MeV neutrons is found in the variation of (n, α) reaction cross sections with the parameters (N − Z + 1), (En+Q)0.5 and N/Z. The empirical relation between the cross sections and these parameters has been obtained, which give fairly good fits with the experimental data. We have also investigated the odd-even effects on (n, α) cross sections considering binding energy systematic of the shell model. The present formula is very useful in predicting of the (n, α) cross sections, where the measurements are not available as well as in testing new experimental data.