Determination of the mean neutron energy using the Zr/Nb and the Ni method

The cross-section ratios for the 90Zr(n, 2n) 89g−mZr and 93Nb(n, 2n) 92mNb reactions as well as for the 58Ni(n, p) 58g+mCo and 58Ni(n, 2n) 57Ni reactions have been measured by the activation method for the purpose of neutron spectrometry around 14 MeV in a neutron tube having a cylindrical acceleration structure (KORONA). The results are compared with the theoretically calculated values. The superiority of the “Zr/Nb ratio” method over the “Ni-ratio” method is discussed.