O-16(n,p)N-16 reaction cross sections around 14 MeV

The (n,p) reaction cross sections of O-16 in the neutron energy range from 13.6 to 14.9 MeV were measured by the activation method. The gamma-ray coun ting technique was applied, and the cross sections were determined relative to the Al-27(n,p)Mg-27 reaction cross sections. The neutrons were produced via the H-3(d, n)He-4 reaction on a SAMES T-400 neutron generator, and the induced gamma activities were measured by a high-purity germanium (HPGe) d etector. The efficiency calibration of the HPGe detector for gamma-ray ener gies above 6 MeV was determined by means of gamma rays emitted from the dec ay of Be-11. An automated fast sample transport system was combined with th e neutron generator in order to carry out the measurements in cyclic mode. The experimental method is described and the sources of systematic errors a re discussed. The results obtained are compared with the experimental data in the available literature and recent evaluations.