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Nuclear structure study with neutrons
Journalof Nuclear
Energy Parts
A/B,1966,Vol.20,p. 849.Pergamon
Press Ltd. Printed in Northern Ireland
BOOK REVIEW
Nuclear Structure Study with Neutrons, M. NEVE DE MEVERGNIES,P.
North-Holland,
Amsterdam,
VAN
ASSCHEand J. VERVIER,
1966. 588 pp., 120s.
THIS book presents the proceedings of a conference organized by the European American Nuclear Data Committee (and supported by IUPAP) to discuss nuclear structure, particularly as studied by neutron cross-section measurements. At the time the field of nuclear cross-section data for reactor design became unclassified so several countries decided to co-ordinate their research effort, and to further this objective set up EANDC. The work of the committee covers all areas of basic reactor physics, particularly neutron cross sections over the energy ranges found in a fission reactor. In order to prompt a deeper understanding of its field EANDC decided to organize this meeting; the programme of which illustrates the breadth now required of the nuclear physicist who works in support of a reactor programme. At this conference the ‘rapporteur’ system was used and the major part of the book consists of the papers given by them. In addition a number of individual contributions are reprinted where they fit into the general theme. This allows a broad presentation of the subject to be achieved and gives the reader a balanced view of each particular branch. Within the limits of the overall subject material each branch has been covered adequately. The sessions covered neutron interactions, nuclear spectroscopy, neutron resonances and strength functions, intermediate structure and statistical models, capture mechanisms and photo-nuclear reactions and optical models. It is notable that no session was devoted to the fission process, although some aspects of fission were treated in different sessions. The short contributions at this conference are given in the form of abstracts at the end of the book. Since the book has been produced within nine months of the conference being held it presents an up-to-date picture. This is particularly important because of the rapid development of the field due to the impact of new machines and techniques (e.g. the Li drifted germanium detectors have revolutionized y-ray spectra measurements). The discussion at this conference was fairly detailed and the reports on the discussion are quite helpful to the reader: it is pleasant to read conference proceedings which include an adequate account of the discussion. The editors are to be congratulated on keeping the number of errors to a reasonably low level. There is an author index but no subject index. To those working in this field Nuclear Structure Study with Neutrons will be a valuable source book, and it will also provide a grounding for the new entrant. To those concerned with nuclear physics the limitation to neutron interactions may prove disappointing, but this is partly offset by several papers of general interest and some relating neutron and proton potentials. P. A.
849
EGELSTAFF
Energy Parts
A/B,1966,Vol.20,p. 849.Pergamon
Press Ltd. Printed in Northern Ireland
BOOK REVIEW
Nuclear Structure Study with Neutrons, M. NEVE DE MEVERGNIES,P.
North-Holland,
Amsterdam,
VAN
ASSCHEand J. VERVIER,
1966. 588 pp., 120s.
THIS book presents the proceedings of a conference organized by the European American Nuclear Data Committee (and supported by IUPAP) to discuss nuclear structure, particularly as studied by neutron cross-section measurements. At the time the field of nuclear cross-section data for reactor design became unclassified so several countries decided to co-ordinate their research effort, and to further this objective set up EANDC. The work of the committee covers all areas of basic reactor physics, particularly neutron cross sections over the energy ranges found in a fission reactor. In order to prompt a deeper understanding of its field EANDC decided to organize this meeting; the programme of which illustrates the breadth now required of the nuclear physicist who works in support of a reactor programme. At this conference the ‘rapporteur’ system was used and the major part of the book consists of the papers given by them. In addition a number of individual contributions are reprinted where they fit into the general theme. This allows a broad presentation of the subject to be achieved and gives the reader a balanced view of each particular branch. Within the limits of the overall subject material each branch has been covered adequately. The sessions covered neutron interactions, nuclear spectroscopy, neutron resonances and strength functions, intermediate structure and statistical models, capture mechanisms and photo-nuclear reactions and optical models. It is notable that no session was devoted to the fission process, although some aspects of fission were treated in different sessions. The short contributions at this conference are given in the form of abstracts at the end of the book. Since the book has been produced within nine months of the conference being held it presents an up-to-date picture. This is particularly important because of the rapid development of the field due to the impact of new machines and techniques (e.g. the Li drifted germanium detectors have revolutionized y-ray spectra measurements). The discussion at this conference was fairly detailed and the reports on the discussion are quite helpful to the reader: it is pleasant to read conference proceedings which include an adequate account of the discussion. The editors are to be congratulated on keeping the number of errors to a reasonably low level. There is an author index but no subject index. To those working in this field Nuclear Structure Study with Neutrons will be a valuable source book, and it will also provide a grounding for the new entrant. To those concerned with nuclear physics the limitation to neutron interactions may prove disappointing, but this is partly offset by several papers of general interest and some relating neutron and proton potentials. P. A.
849
EGELSTAFF