The thermal neutron activation cross section of 59Co

The 2200 m/s neutron activation cross section of 59Co has been determined with respect to 197Au by irradiating gold and cobalt foils in a thermal neutron flux. The result for the production of 5.261-year 60Co both directly and through 60Com is[Formula: see text]based on a value of σ0 = 98.7 b for, 197Au. Allowing for the 60Com that decays directly to levels in 60Ni yields a value for the 2200 m/s capture cross section of[Formula: see text]The standard deviation of the mean value of seven determinations was ± 0.06 %. The quoted error of ± 0.27 b has been derived from estimates of systematic errors that are discussed.