Exploring the Trojan Horse Method for Nuclear Fusion Data

Abstract

The Trojan Horse Method (THM) is an indirect technique which extracts a two-body cross-section of interest from a related three-body reaction. The need for the application of the THM for obtaining fusion data is outlined, with a focus on the 93Nb(n, γ)94Nb cross-section. The basic features of THM are explained, with a particular focus on the quasi-free (QF) kinematics and the resulting energy relations, which provide a way to link the spectator momentum to the interaction energy of interest. The QF kinematics are then applied to the 93Nb(d, pγ)94Nb reaction, with some experimental considerations being outlined. A follow-up measurement to validate the THM result using the High-Flux Accelerator Driven Neutron Facility (HF-ADNeF) is proposed.