The formation of 24Na and 32P by the interaction of high energy protons with complex nuclei

Abstract

The formation of ²⁴Na and ³²P by the interaction of high energy protons with Cu, La, Au and Th has been investigated. The dependence of the yields of ²⁴Na and ³²P on proton energy was studied radio-chemically. Yields rise considerably with increase of the proton energy from 120 to 660 MeV and depend markedly on the atomic number of the target element. The calculated formation thresholds for ²⁴Na and ³²P in spallation and fission are compared with the experimental values showing that in Cu, La and Au these two nuclei are formed mainly by strongly asymmetric fission. Formation of ³²P from Cu is an exception, being due to spallation, and this process is also important in the formation of ²⁴Na from Cu.