Neutron capture on ⁹⁴Zr: Resonance parameters and Maxwellian-averaged cross sections

The neutron capture cross sections of the Zr isotopes play an important role in nucleosynthesis studies. The s-process reaction flow between the Fe seed and the heavier isotopes passes through the neutron magic nucleus ⁹⁰Zr and through ^91,92,93,94Zr, but only part of the flow extends to ⁹⁶Zr because of the branching point at ⁹⁵Zr. Apart from their effect on the s-process flow, the comparably small isotopic (n,γ) cross sections make Zr also an interesting structural material for nuclear reactors. The ⁹⁴Zr (n,γ) cross section has been measured with high resolution at the spallation neutron source n_TOF at CERN and resonance parameters are reported up to 60 keV neutron energy.