Thermal Neutron Scattering Cross Section Measurements of Light and Heavy Water

Abstract

Thermal neutron scattering cross section measurements of light (H₂O) and heavy water(D₂O) under ambient conditions were performed using a triple-axis spectrometer at the NRU reactor. The total cross section σ, as well as single (dσ/dΩ) and double differential (d²σ/dΩdE ) cross section were measured. Incident neutron energies from 15 meV to 50 meV, and scattering angles from 10° to 110° were covered. The experimental techniques and the data analysis method to obtain the absolute cross sections will be discussed and the resulting cross sections compared with the Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF).