Abstract
Abstract Cross sections of the 6 Li( n , t ) 4 He reaction were measured in the fast neutron energy range from 3.3 to 5.3 MeV using a gridded ionization chamber (GIC) and well–calibrated experimental setup at the EG–5 Van de Graaff accelerator of the Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (FLNP, JINR). Lithium fluoride ( 6 LiF) samples with varying thicknesses and krypton–CO 2 gas mixtures with different pressures were used to optimize the detection of both alpha particles and tritons. Neutron fluxes were monitored using two high–purity (99.999%) 238 U 3 O 8 samples placed inside the GIC, complemented by an externally calibrated 3 He long counter. The measured 6 Li( n , t ) 4 He cross–section data were compared with existing results of measurements and evaluations from EXFOR and ENDF nuclear data libraries, and the results showed a good agreement in the measured neutron energy range. These new measurements provide reliable cross–section data that contribute to the refinement of evaluated nuclear data files and support applications in nuclear physics, tritium production, and reactor design.