Review of neutron yield from (α, n) reactions: data, methods, and prospects

Understanding the radiogenic neutron production rate from the (α, n) reaction is crucial in many areas of physics, including dark matter searches, neutrino studies, and nuclear astrophysics. In addition to its relevance for fundamental research, the (α, n) reaction also plays a significant role in nuclear energy technologies, for example by contributing to neutron production in subcritical systems using UO2, as well as in applications such as medical physics. This review examines the current state of (α, n) yield calculations and neutron spectra, describes the computational tools used for their estimation, and discusses the available cross-section data. We investigate the uncertainties affecting (α, n) yield estimations and propose strategies to enhance their accuracy. Furthermore, we highlight the need for new measurements of (α, n) cross-sections for a variety of relevant materials. Such measurements are key to improving neutron flux predictions and reducing uncertainties in sensitivity estimates for next-generation physics experiments operating in the keV–MeV range.