Cross-section calculations of 231Pa (n, f) in the energy region En = 1–6 MeV

Abstract The neutron-induced fission cross-section for 231 Pa (n, f) reaction is calculated using the most recent and versatile computer code EMPIRE-2.19.These calculations depend on the fission barrier parameters and the level density at the saddle point. The fission barrier heights are calculated using an analytical barrier formula based on microscopic–macroscopic description. It is found that the fission cross-sections calculated by using the fission barrier heights from RIPL-1 as well as from RIPL-2 show large deviations from the experimental values, whereas the barrier heights from the analytical barrier formula provide a satisfactory description of the fission cross-section data.