Study of the natNi(p,x)57Ni process up to 44 MeV for monitor Purposes

Cross sections have been measured from 14 up to 44 MeV for proton induced nuclear processes on natural nickel leading to the production of 57Ni (T1/2=36.1 h) using the stacked foil method. We have also investigated the contribution of background neutron induced reactions to the production of 57Ni. On the basis of the presented experimental work and the available literature results it can be concluded that the natNi(p, x)57Ni process can be used very effectively for monitoring proton beams in the investigated energy range.