Measurement of the γ -strength function of 59Co, 51V and natNi using the nToF tagging

The [Formula: see text]-ray strength functions of [Formula: see text]V, [Formula: see text]Co, and [Formula: see text]Ni were measured for [Formula: see text]-ray energies up to 9 MeV, approaching the neutron separation energy, using [Formula: see text] data obtained through the Pulse Height Weighting Technique (PHWT). The incident neutron energies were determined using the time-of-flight (TOF) technique at the TIFR–BARC facility. Neutrons were produced via the inverse kinematics reaction p([Formula: see text]C,n) in the energy range from 0.57 MeV to 13.92 MeV. A [Formula: see text] target was employed instead of hydrogen-filled gaseous targets to achieve an enhanced neutron yield. Prompt [Formula: see text] rays emitted from the capture reactions were detected using a pair of LaBr 3 :Ce scintillation detectors, while an EJ301 liquid scintillator detector was used to measure the incident neutrons. The extracted [Formula: see text]-ray strength functions were compared with theoretical calculations performed using the TALYS 1.9 nuclear reaction code.