Review of Neutron Yield from ($α$, n) Reactions: Data, Methods, and Prospects

Abstract

Understanding the radiogenic neutron production rate through the ($α$, n) reaction is crucial in many areas of physics, including dark matter searches, neutrino studies, and nuclear astrophysics. In addition to its relevance for fundamental research, the ($α$, n) reaction also plays a significant role in nuclear energy technologies, for example by contributing to neutron production in subcritical systems using UO$_{2}$, as well as in applications such as medical physics. This review examines the current state of ($α$, n) yield calculations and neutron spectra, describes the computational tools used for their estimation, and discusses the available cross-section data. We explore the uncertainties affecting ($α$, n) yield estimations and propose a strategy to enhance their accuracy. Furthermore, this paper discusses and emphasizes the need for new measurements of ($α$, n) cross-sections for a variety of relevant materials. Such measurements are essential for improving neutron flux predictions, which are crucial for reducing uncertainties in sensitivity estimates for next-generation physics experiments operating in the keV--MeV range.