Neutron Interactions with Matter

Neutrons are neutral (uncharged) particles. They do not interact with the atomic electrons of the matter through which they are passing, but do interact with the nuclei of these atoms. The manner in which neutrons interact with matter depends strongly on the energy of the neutrons.

Overviews of the various neutron interactions with matter are given in

• Neutron interactions - emphasis on nuclear well logging
  
• Low energy neutron interactions - CERN, Geant 4
  

Graphs and Tables of neutron inteaction cross sections are available on the Internet:

• ENDFPLOT - Online Neutron Cross Section Plotter - Help
  
• Table of neutron cross sections - Berkeley Lab
  

The major types of neutron interactions with matter are:

• Fission (thermal neutrons)
  
• Radiative Capture (thermal neutrons)
  
• Elastic Scattering (intermediate energy neutrons)
  
• Inelastic Scattering (intermediate energy neutrons)
  
• Neutron Activation (high energy neutrons)
  
• Spallation (very high energy neutrons)
  

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Edited on 28 February 2003 - E-mail to the Webmaster