Neutron-Induced Partial Cross Section Measurements on Cu, Ge and Pb at E$_n$ = 8 and 12 MeV for Background Radiation in $\mathbf{0\nu\beta\beta}$ Decay Experiments

The search for the existence of 0$\nu\beta\beta$ decay plays an important role in the uncovering of physics beyond the standard model. The detection of such decay would confirm that neutrinos are Majorana particles. The large lifetimes (\textit{i.e.},T$_{1/2}$($^{76}$Ge) $>$ 10$^{25}$ y) and the corresponding long measuring times require extensive understanding of background radiation induced by neutron interactions with shielding and detector materials. For example, neutron induced $\gamma$-ray transitions in Pb and Cu and their escape peaks could interfere with the identification of the 2039 keV signature of 0$\nu\beta\beta$ in the case of $^ {76}$Ge. Thus, it is necessary to determine the yields from possible background sources. The neutron-induced partial cross sections for $\gamma$-ray transitions in Cu, enriched $^{76} $Ge, and Pb were measured at TUNL using an array of HPGe detectors at E$_n$=8 and 12 MeV. The experimental setup and preliminary results will be presented.\\ Supported by DOE Grants DE-FG02-97ER41033 \& DE- FG02-97ER41042.\\