Isotopic production cross sections of spallation-evaporation residues from reactions of ²³⁸U(1A GeV) with deuterium

Isotopic production cross sections and momentum distributions of 602 residual nuclei produced in the collision of ²³⁸U(1A GeV) with deuterium have been measured. These data are relevant for a better understanding of spallation reactions for use as neutron sources for accelerator-driven systems or to produce radioactive nuclear beams. Access to primary residue production makes it possible to study the main reaction mechanisms involved: intranuclear cascade, particle evaporation, and fission. The characteristics of the reaction investigated and the high fissility of the ²³⁸U and the dinucleon projectile system are discussed and compared with other available experimental data.