Gamma ray production in inelastic scattering of neutrons produced by cosmic muons in $^{56}$Fe

Abstract

We report on the study of the intensities of several gamma lines emitted after the inelastic scattering of neutrons in 56 Fe. Neutrons were produced by cosmic muons passing the 20t massive iron cube placed at the Earth's surface and used as a passive shield for the HPGe detector. Relative intensities of detected gamma lines are compared with the results collected in the same iron shield by the use of 252 Cf neutrons. Assessment against the published data from neutron scattering experiments at energies up to 14 MeV is also provided.