Coupled-channel effective field theory and proton-7^7Li scattering

We apply the renormalisation group (RG) to analyse scattering by short-range forces in systems with coupled channels. For two S-wave channels, we find three fixed points, corresponding to systems with zero, one or two bound or virtual states at threshold. We use the RG to determine the power countings for the resulting effective field theories. In the case of a single low-energy state, the resulting theory takes the form of an effective-range expansion in the strongly interacting channel. We also extend the analysis to include the effects of the Coulomb interaction between charged particles. The approach is then applied to the coupled $p+{^7}$Li and $n+{^7}$Be channels which couple to a $J^P=2^-$ state of $^8$Be very close to the $n+{^7}$Be threshold. At next-to-leading order, we are able to get a good description of the $p+{^7}$Li phase shift and the ${^7}$Be(n,p)${^7}$Li cross section using four parameters. Fits at one order higher are similarly good but the available data are not sufficient to determine all five parameters uniquely.Comment: 22 pages, 2 figures, RevTeX4, typos corrected, accepted for publication in European Physical Journal

Averaging sigma(n,. gamma. ) in the transition region E/sub n/ = 1-150 keV

The technique of determining a smooth average neutron capture cross section by least squares adjustment of strength functions is illustrated for /sup 179/Hf(n,..gamma..) high resolution data from ORELA. The s-, p- and d-wave neutron strength functions and GAMMA/sub ..gamma..// <D/sub l=0> found agree well with systematics, model calculations and other experimental information despite their strong correlation when determined solely from the capture data

Evaluation of the /sup 232/Th neutron capture cross section above 3 keV

This memo describes an evaluation of the /sup 232/Th neutron capture cross section in the neutron energy range from 3 keV to 20 MeV. Most existing differential measurements are reviewed, and some data are renormalized to current values of the standards. Several experimentally determined sets of average resonance parameters are also discussed. From 3 to 50 keV the evaluated cross section is described by a set of average statistical resonance parameters. Above 50 keV the evaluated capture cross section is a smooth curve which follows the trend of the most recent measurements. The evaluated capture cross section is compared with many measurements and uncertainty estimates are given