Measurements of γ-ray Energy and Multiplicity from 235U(nthermal) using STEFF

Abstract

The amount of energy carried by γ-rays during the fission process is an important consideration when developing new reactor designs. Many studies of γ-ray energy and multiplicity, from a multitude of fissioning systems, were measured during the 1970s. However the data from such experiments largely underestimates the heating effect caused by γ-rays in the structure of a reactor. It is therefore essential to obtain more accurate measurements of the energy carried during γ-ray emission. As such, the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency has put out a high priority request [1] for measurements of the mean γ-ray energy and multiplicity to an accuracy better than 7.5 percent from several fissioning systems; including 235U(nthermal). Measurements of the rays from these fissioning nuclei were performed with the SpecTrometer for Exotic Fission Fagments (STEFF).