Effect of (n, 2n) and (n, α) Reactions on Age Calculations for Beryllium

The effect of incorporating the (n, 2n) and (n, α) reactions into Fermi age calculations for beryllium has been studied. If one neglects these effects an age to 1.44 ev of 85 cm² is computed, including a first-flight correction of 4 cm², as compared to the experimental value of 80 ± 2. Inclusion of (n, 2n) and (n, α) reactions lowers the calculated age to 71 cm².