Measurements of the $^{197}$Au(n, $\gamma $) cross section up to 100 keV at the CSNS Back-n facility

The neutron capture cross section of $$^{197}\hbox {Au}$$ was measured using the time-of-flight (TOF) technique at the Back-n facility of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) in the 1 eV to 100 keV range. Prompt $$\gamma $$ -rays originating from neutron-induced capture events were detected by four C $$_{6}$$ D $$_{6}$$ liquid scintillator detectors. Pulse height weighting technology (PHWT) was used to analyze the data. The results are in good agreement with ENDF/B-VIII.0, CENDL-3.1, and other evaluated libraries in the resonance region, and in agreement with both n $$\_$$ TOF and GELINA experimental data in the 5–100 keV range. Finally, the resonance peaks in the energy range from 1 eV to 1 keV were fitted by the SAMMY R-matrix code.