fotoneutronproduktion

Fotoneutronproduktion, also known as photodisintegration of the nucleus or the (γ, n) reaction, is a nuclear process where a photon interacts with an atomic nucleus and ejects a neutron. This phenomenon is a form of photoeffect specific to nuclei. The minimum energy required for this reaction to occur is known as the neutron separation energy, which is the binding energy holding the neutron within the nucleus. For most nuclei, this energy threshold is typically in the range of 1.5 to 10 MeV.

The process involves the absorption of a high-energy photon by the nucleus. This absorption excites the nucleus to a higher energy state. If the energy of the photon is sufficiently high, the nucleus can become unstable and de-excite by emitting a neutron. This neutron emission carries away excess energy. The inverse reaction, where a neutron is captured by a nucleus to emit a photon, is also a possibility, but the (γ, n) reaction specifically refers to neutron emission induced by photons.

Fotoneutronproduktion is a key process in astrophysics, particularly in the nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than iron, occurring in environments like core-collapse supernovae and neutron star mergers. It plays a role in nuclear physics research as a method to study nuclear structure and binding energies. While less common than other neutron-producing reactions, it is a well-established nuclear reaction mechanism.