Measurement of Xe(n,2n)Xe reaction cross sections in 14-MeV region with detailed uncertainty quantification

A lead-shielded HPGe detector and offline γ-ray spectra of the residual product were used to measure the cross section (CS) and ratios of isomeric CS (σ/σ) in Xe(n,2n)Xe reactions at different energies (13.5 MeV, 13.8 MeV, 14.1 MeV, 14.4 MeV, 14.8 MeV) relative to the Nb(n,2n)Nb reaction CS. The target was high-purity natural Xe gas under high pressure. The T(d,n)He reaction produces neutrons. TALYS code (version 1.95) for nuclear reactions was used for calculations, with default parameters and nuclear level density models. The uncertainties in the measured CS data were thoroughly analyzed using the covariance analysis method. The results were compared with theoretical values, evaluation data, and previous experimental findings. CS data of the Xe(n,2n)Xe and Xe(n,2n)Xe reactions and the corresponding isomeric CS ratios at 13.5 MeV, 13.8 MeV, and 14.1 MeV neutron energies are reported for the first time. This research advances our knowledge of pre-equilibrium emission in the (n,2n) reaction channel by resolving inconsistencies in the Xe data.