Uncertainty propagation and covariance analysis of 181Ta(n,γ)182Ta nuclear reaction

Abstract: The neutron capture cross-section for the $<sup>{181}$Ta(n,$\gamma$)$<sup>{182}$Ta reaction has been experimentally measured at the neutron energies 0.53 and 1.05 MeV using off-line $\gamma$-ray spectrometry. $<sup>{115}$In(n,n'$\gamma$)$<sup>{115m}$In is used as a reference monitor reaction cross-section. The neutron was produced via the $<sup>{7}$Li(p,n)$<sup>{7}$Be reaction. The present study measures the cross-sections with their uncertainties and correlation matrix. The self-attenuation process, $\gamma$-ray correction factor, and low background neutron energy contribution have been calculated. The measured neutron spectrum averaged cross-sections of $<sup>{181}$Ta(n,$\gamma$)$<sup>{182}$Ta are discussed and compared with the existing data from the EXFOR database and also with the ENDF/B-VIII.0, TENDL-2019, JENDL-5, JEFF-3.3 evaluated data libraries.