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A neutron inelastic scattering experiment was performed at the GELINA (Geel Electron LINear Accelerator) neutron source of the European Commission Joint Research Centre Geel (EC-JRC Geel) with the aim of determining the reaction cross sections for the stable isotopes of natural titanium. A 235U fission chamber was used to monitor neutrons with energies up to 20 MeV. The GAINS (Gamma Array for Inelastic Neutron Scattering) spectrometer was employed to detect the γ rays resulting from the decay of the excited nuclei. We determined the γ-ray production cross sections of the first transitions in the 46,48,49,50Ti isotopes. The experimental values were compared with previous reported results and also with theoretical calculations performed with the TALYS 1.8 code using the default input parameters. Uncertainties of around 5% were obtained for the strongest observed transitions.

During an under barrier Rutherford scattering of a proton on a high Z nucleus, in the vicinity of the target, the proton acquires a large potential energy. This energy makes its beta decay possible. Simplified estimates of the decay rates are provided for use in possible experimental attempts to observe the phenomenon. The problem rises a number of fundamental aspects that have a chance to be experimentally challenged.