Test of nuclear level density inputs for Hauser-Feshbach model calculations

The energy spectra of neutrons, protons, and α-particles have been measured from the d+⁵⁹Co and ³He+⁵⁸Fe reactions leading to the same compound nucleus, ⁶¹Ni. The experimental cross sections have been compared to Hauser-Feshbach model calculations using different input level density models. None of them have been found to agree with experiment. It manifests the serious problem with available level density parametrizations especially those based on neutron resonance spacings and density of discrete levels. New level densities and corresponding Fermi-gas parameters have been obtained for reaction product nuclei such as ⁶⁰Ni, ⁶⁰Co, and ⁵⁷Fe.