Evaluation of neutron-induced reaction cross sections on the neutron- deficient isotopes of europium and gadolinium

We have been calculating complete sets of excitation functions for neutron-induced reactions on the isotopes of europium (masses 145 to 154) and of gadolinium (masses 150 to 156). The approach that we are taking is to achieve best agreement between our calculated cross sections for the stable Eu and Gd isotopes and experiment, using as consistent a set as possible of all necessary calculational parameters; this set will then be used to predict all required cross sections for the unstable isotopes. A variety of experimental data in this mass region have been utilized. A potential problem for experimenters was uncovered when the spectrum fitting method is used to deduce the radiative capture cross section from prompt gamma rays.