Statistical (n, γ ) cross section model comparison for short-lived nuclei

Neutron-capture cross sections of neutron-rich nuclei are calculated using a Hauser-Feshbach model when direct experimental cross sections cannot be obtained. A number of codes to perform these calculations exist, and each makes different assumptions about the underlying nuclear physics. We investigated the systematic uncertainty associated with the choice of Hauser-Feshbach code used to calculate the neutron-capture cross section of a short-lived nucleus. The neutron-capture cross section for 73 Zn (n, γ ) 74 Zn was calculated using three Hauser-Feshbach statistical model codes: TALYS, CoH, and EMPIRE. The calculation was first performed without any changes to the default settings in each code. Then an experimentally obtained nuclear level density (NLD) and γ -ray strength function ( γ SF ) were included. Finally, the nuclear structure information was made consistent across the codes. The neutron-capture cross sections obtained from the three codes are in good agreement after including the experimentally obtained NLD and γ SF , accounting for differences in the underlying nuclear reaction models, and enforcing consistent approximations for unknown nuclear data. It is possible to use consistent inputs and nuclear physics to reduce the differences in the calculated neutron-capture cross section from different Hauser-Feshbach codes. However, ensuring the treatment of the input of experimental data and other nuclear physics are similar across multiple codes requires a careful investigation. For this reason, more complete documentation of the inputs and physics chosen is important.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1140/epja/s10050-023-00920-0.

Factors influencing the commercialization of inertial fusion energy

Managing the IFE pathway to fusion electricity will involve management of commericalization scope, schedule, cost and risk. The technology pathway to economical fusion power comprises the commercialization scope. Industry assumes commercialization risk in fielding its own pre-pilot plant research programme for this compact-fusion pathway without the benefit of a federally coordinated IFE research and development programme. The cost of commercializing the mass-production of inexpensive targets and insisting on high reliability, availability, maintainability and inspectability has a major impact on the economics of commercializing fusion power plants. Schedule vulnerability for inertial fusion energy arises from the sensitivity of time-based roadmap stages to uncertainties in the pace of scientific understanding and technology development, as well as to unexpected and inexplicable changes of the budgeting process. Rather than rely on a time-based roadmap, a milestone-based roadmap is maximally appropriate, especially for industry and investors who are particularly well-suited to taking the risks associated with reaching the target milestones provided by the government. Milestones must be identified and optimally sequenced and the necessary resources must be delineated. Progress on the above factors, since the outcomes of recent U.S., U.K. and EUROfusion roadmapping exercises were released, are reported. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Prospects for high gain inertial fusion energy (part 2)'.