Measurement of Neutron-to-Gamma-ray Production Ratios, n/, from (, n) Reactions for their Application to Assay TRU Waste

We report on the measurement of neutron-to-?-ray production ratios from (a,n) reactions for three matrices CaF2, Al2O3, and MgO using a-emitting 244Cm deposited in the respective matrix. These ratios allow the determination of neutron emission rates from (a,n) reactions on the target nuclides from ?-ray spectra. These measurements may be useful in correcting neutron singles counts of transuranic waste for the neutrons produced from a-reactions with the matrix materials.