Comparison of prompt-fission neutron multiplicities and energy spectra for intermediate energy proton-and neutron-induced fission

The number and spectra of neutrons, in particular the number and spectra of prompt neutrons from the fission of actinides, at the intermediate energies represent important physical quantities, which determine the possibility of applying of one or another design of ADS. The multiplicities and energy distributions of prompt neutrons in interactions of Th-232, U-235,U-238 and Np-237 with 50 and 96 MeV protons were measured by our group. The data are compared with results of recent measurements of the average multiplicities and spectra of prompt neutrons at the fission of U-235,U-238 induced by neutrons of the same energies. The correlation of the measured characteristics with neutron-proton compositions of composite nuclei is discussed. The similarity of characteristics for fission induced by neutrons and protons is noted.