137,138,139La(n,γ) cross sections constrained with statistical decay properties of 138,139,140La nuclei

The nuclear level densities and γ-ray strength functions of 138,139,140La were measured using the 139La(3He,α), 139La(3He,'3He), and 139La(d,p) reactions. The particle-γ coincidences were recorded with the silicon particle telescope (SiRi) and NaI(Tl) (CACTUS) arrays. In the context of these experimental results, the low-energy enhancement in the A∼140 region is discussed. The 137,138,139La(n,γ) cross sections were calculated at s- and p-process temperatures using the experimentally measured nuclear level densities and γ-ray strength functions. Good agreement is found between 139La(n,γ) calculated cross sections and previous measurements. This research was first published in Physical Review C - Nuclear Physics. © American Physical Society