2025.05.29

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.

派遣先滞在期間

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

国、都市等

Los Alamos, New Mexico, US

機関名、受入先、会議名等

Los Alamos National Laboratory

発表題目

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)

派遣中に学んだことや得られたもの

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.

高エネルギー加速器科学研究科　加速器科学専攻　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.