Neutron-induced activation cross-sections on natural cerium up to 20 MeV

Cross sections of (n,2n), (n,p), and (n,alpha) reactions on cerium isotopes have been measured in the neutron energy range of 13.5-14.8 MeV using the activation technique and a coaxial HPGe gamma-ray detector. Samples were activated along with Nb and Al monitor foils to determine the incident neutron flux. Data are reported for the following reactions: Ce-136(n,2n)Ce135m+g, Ce-140(n,2n)Ce-139m, Ce-140(n,2n)Ce-139g, Ce-140(n,2n)Ce139m+g, Ce-142(n,2n)Ce-141, Ce-140(n,p)La-140, Ce-142(n,p)La-142 and Ce-140(n,alpha)Ba-137m. The cross sections were also estimated with the TALYS-1.6 nuclear model code at neutron energies varying from the reaction threshold to 20 MeV. Results are also discussed and compared with corresponding values found in the literature.