Neutron capture on Ta-179 - art. no. 025802

The (n,gamma) cross section of the unstable isotope Ta-179 (t(1/2) = 1.82+/ -0.03 yr) has been measured at thermal energies by means of the activation method. The Hf-180(p,2n) reaction was used for the production of Ta-179, an d thin samples of 4 and 20 ng were obtained by the electrospraying techniqu e. From irradiations with and without Cd absorbers the thermal cross sectio n sigma(th)=932+/-62 b and the corresponding resonance integral I-res = 121 6+/-69 b could be determined [S0556-2813(99)02308-0].