Neutron Capture on Actinides Studied with DANCE

Neutron capture cross sections in the continuum region above neutron energies of 1 keV have been difficult to calculate accurately, and measurements are needed for accurate results. Recent capture measurements on 234, 236, 238U and 239Pu made using the DANCE detector have resolved some discrepancies in the 235U and 239Pu capture cross sections. In addition, measurements of the gamma-ray emission spectra from capture are shown to provide an additional constraint on photon strength functions. Using strength functions constrained by the gamma-ray spectra, cross-section calculations can be made that reproduce the measurements with no additional renormalization.