Why does 135Xe have a high thermal neutron cross section?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the unusually high thermal neutron cross section of the isotope Xenon-135 (135Xe). It is established that this high cross section is not merely coincidental but is linked to the presence of suitable excited states. In contrast, isotopes Xenon-134 (Xe-134) and Xenon-136 (Xe-136) exhibit very low absorption cross sections. Additionally, rare Earth isotopes such as Samarium-149 (Sm-149), Samarium-151 (Sm-151), Gadolinium-155 (Gd-155), and Gadolinium-157 (Gd-157) display comparable absorption characteristics due to similar underlying mechanisms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear physics concepts, specifically neutron interactions.
  • Familiarity with isotopic notation and properties.
  • Knowledge of excited states in nuclear physics.
  • Basic comprehension of absorption cross sections in nuclear reactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal neutron cross sections of rare Earth isotopes, focusing on Sm-149 and Gd-155.
  • Study the mechanisms behind excited states in nuclear isotopes.
  • Explore the implications of neutron absorption in nuclear reactors and their design.
  • Investigate the differences in neutron interactions among various isotopes of Xenon.
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Nuclear physicists, researchers in nuclear engineering, and anyone studying neutron interactions and isotope behavior in nuclear reactions.

pierce15
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Title says it all. Made a few google searches and couldn't find any information. Is there a reason why it is so large, or is it just a coincidence of nature?
 
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It would seem to be a coincidence of Nature. Isotopes Xe-134 and Xe-136 have very low absorption cross-sections, and are stable.

One has to look at certain rare Earth isotopes of Sm-149, -151 and Gd-155, -157 to find comparable absorption cross-sections.
 
And a common underlying cause for such coincidences seem to be the presence of suitable excited states (real or virtual).
 

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