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Distinguishing reaction channels for 15N* production

Ascertain whether proton emission resulting in 15N* is produced by direct 16O(n,np) scattering or by 16O(n,n′) excitation followed by proton emission (16O* → 15N* + p) under the conditions of this experiment.

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Background

The paper observes γ rays from excited 15N following neutron interactions with 16O. These γ rays can originate from two distinct mechanisms: direct (n,np) scattering or (n,n′) inelastic scattering with subsequent proton emission (16O* → 15N* + p).

Differentiating these channels is important for accurate modeling of nuclear deexcitation pathways and secondary γ-ray production relevant to neutrino interaction analyses in water Cherenkov detectors.

References

It should also be note that the proton release possibly occurs after the (n,n′) scattering via 16O∗→15N∗+p and again the current experiment is not sensitive enough to distinguish this.

— Measurement of $γ$-rays generated by neutron interaction with ${}^{16}$O at 30 MeV and 250 MeV (2405.15366 - Tano et al., 24 May 2024) in Subsection "Observed γ-ray peaks", Section 4 (Nuclear Deexcitation γ-rays)