Excitation functions for the production of 90 Nb and 88 Y by irradiation of zirconium with deuterons

Abstract

Excitation functions for reactions induced by deuterons on natural zirconium and90Zr targets have been measured radiochemically with the stacked foil technique between ≈9 and 27 MeV. The observed reactions are Zr(d,xn)90 Nb, Zr(d,axn)88Y,90Zr(d, 2n)90Nb and90Zr(d, α)88Y. The excitation functions for the reactions91Zr(d, 3n)90Nb and91Zr(d, αn)88Y have been deduced from the results mentioned above. Calculations of the excitation function for the (d, 2n) reaction have been performed with two different treatments, each one taking into account two competitive mechanisms. The compound-statistical model plus Hittmair's stripping theory accounts quite well for the (d, 2n) cross sections observed. However, the agreement obtained with Peaslee-Otozai's theory is excellent and the set of parameters used more reasonable. It has been assumed that the stripping mechanism can have no contribution to the (d, α) reaction. Accordingly, calculations for this reaction have been done using the compound-statistical model and the entire absorption process followed by the evaporation of an α particle. No good agreement is obtained with either theory.