Neutron Spectra from the 38.8-MeV Alpha-Particle Bombardment of Deuterium

The energy spectra of neutrons from the $\alpha$-particle bombardment of deuterium at 38.8 MeV have been measured at lab angles of 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 45, and 54°. Prominent features of the spectra are explainable on simple kinematic bases. The shapes of the energy spectra and the cross-section values are consistent with the calculations of Shanley and Nakamura but seem to be inconsistent with proton spectra from the same reaction as measured by Nagatani, Tombrello, and Bromley.