May 29, 2025

Neutron Production from Photon-Induced Reactions on Heavy Nuclei: A Theoretical Interpretation

Photon-induced reaction data are associated with how incoming photons interact with atomic nuclei, providing crucial information for various applications, including radiation shielding, medical treatments like radiotherapy, medical isotope production, and even astrophysics.

Most research on photon-induced reactions has focused on reaction probabilities (cross-sections). However, there is a lack of experimental data and theoretical studies on the emission of secondary particles, such as neutrons and protons. This gap exists mainly because it is technically challenging to generate high-intensity, monoenergetic photon beams and detect radiation. As a result, theoretical models for particle emission in photon-induced reactions remain unexplored in many aspects due to insufficient experimental data.

My research focuses on neutron emission in photon-induced reactions involving heavy nuclei. I have been studying nuclear reaction theories and applying them to the reactions. The feasibility of the nuclear reaction theories can be validated using experimental data collected by our research group in Japan. My work emphasizes energy and angular distributions of neutron emission, where the calculations by the contemporary theoretical nuclear reaction models underestimate experimental data. The study is expected to provide better descriptions, which are essential for applications in nuclear energy, radiation safety, and astrophysics.

I aim to further refine theoretical models by incorporating additional experimental data on energy and angular distribution of neutron emission in photon-induced reactions. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to advancements in nuclear science that benefit both fundamental research and practical applications in medicine, industry, and energy.

Period of Stay

Date of Departure: 2025/01/27
Date of Return: 2025/03/05

Country and/or City

Los Alamos, New Mexico, US

Visiting Institute, Host, or Meeting

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Title of your Presentation

Theoretical interpretation of experimental double differential cross-section data for photoneutron production (will be presented at 16th NUCLEAR DATA FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE held from June 22th to 27th in Madrid, Spain)

What you learned and achieved during the visit

I have had the privilege of meeting many exceptional scientists. Through discussions at meetings, seminars, and casual coffee breaks, I have gained valuable insights not only into my own research but also into various other topics within nuclear science. Additionally, being in the U.S., where diverse cultures intertwine, has allowed me to explore and appreciate a rich blend of global traditions.

Department of Accelerator Science, Nguyen Thi Hong Thuong

I am Thuong Nguyen, a graduate student of the Department of Accelerator Science, SOKENDAI. My research focuses on nuclear physics, specifically neutron production through photon-induced reactions on heavy nuclei. I am particularly interested in understanding emitted neutrons' energy and angular distributions using theoretical models and experimental data analysis.
Throughout my work, I have used the contemporary theoretical nuclear reaction models to analyze reaction mechanisms and improve predictive models based on the available experimental data. I will present my work at the 16th NUCLEAR DATA FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE, which will be held in June in Madrid, Spain. Moving forward, I aim to further explore the connections between the neutron emission through the reactions and nuclear structure of target nuclei. I am excited to engage with others in this field and exchange ideas for future research.