Specifications for extracting neutron electric polarizability from the total cross sections for Pb-208

A method for determining neutron electric polarizability and the only meaningful result alpha(n) = (1.20 +/- 0.15 +/- 0.20) x 10(-3) fm(3) are analyzed in detail. Since some inexactitudes in obtaining this result are found, the conclusion that its systematic error must be 3-4 times higher is made. A complex method for determining a,, from the total cross section for neutrons scattered by Pb-208 nuclei is proposed. This method involves taking into account both the k(3) term in the cross section (k is neutron wave number) and the negative neutron resonance at -1.91 MeV.