Test of nuclear level density inputs for Hauser-Feshbach model calculations

The energy spectra of neutrons, protons, and alpha-particles have been measured from the d+Co-59 and He-3+Fe-58 reactions leading to the same compound nucleus, Ni-61. The experimental cross sections have been compared to Hauser-Feshbach model calculations using different input level density models. None of them have been found to agree with experiment. It manifests the serious problem with available level density parametrizations especially those based on neutron resonance spacings and density of discrete levels. New level densities and corresponding Fermi-gas parameters have been obtained for reaction product nuclei such as Ni-60, Co-60, and Fe-57.