The total cross sections of the 11 B( α , n ) 14 N and the 10 B( α , n ) 13 N reactions between 2 and 6 MeV

There is considerable interest in potential aneutronic fusion reactors. One possible reaction is 11 B( p , α )2 α . However, the emitted alpha particles are energetic enough to generate neutrons by interacting with boron inside the reactor through the 11 B( α , n ) 14 N and 10 B( α , n ) 13 N reactions. To aid in evaluating neutron production within this potential aneutronic reactor, the total cross sections were measured for the 11 B( α , n ) 14 N reaction between 2 and 6 MeV and for the 10 B( α , n ) 13 N reaction between 2 and 4.8 MeV. The results are presented and compared with previously reported results.