Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 9.4
Total cross sections for neutrons with hydrogen and carbon as functions of energy.
In contrast, the carbon cross section in Fig. 9.4 shows considerable structure,
especially in the region 1-10 MeV. The nucleus possesses discrete excited states,
which can enhance or depress the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections at
certain values of the neutron energy (cf. Fig. 3.2).
9.5
Elastic Scattering
As mentioned in the last section, elastic scattering is the most important process
for slowing down neutrons; the contribution by inelastic scattering is usually small
in comparison. We treat elastic scattering here.
