Pu(Be) Sources

["Tom N. Massey" <massey@oual4.phy.ohiou.edu>]

For the record:

     239Pu --> 235U + alpha   5.275 MeV

     alpha + Be --> 13C*  --> 12C + n  Q = +5.700 MeV 
                          --> 12C* + n
                              12C* --> gamma(4.43 MeV) + 12C(ground state)
                              12C* --> gamma(7.65 MeV) + 12C(ground state)
                              12C* --> gamma(9.64 MeV) + 12C(ground state)

    The 9Be(alpha,n) reaction is well known to produce the first excited state of
12C.  Please see:

      A.W. Obst, T.B. Grandy, and J.L. Weil, Phys. Rev. C, Vol. 5, p. 738 (1972).
for a discussion of 9Be(alpha,n) reaction in this energy range.

     Note: It is possible to get neutrons up to 10.9 MeV from a Pu(Be) source!

       Tom Massey
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