Excitation functions for 209Bi reactions induced by threshold to 50 MeV energy alpha particles

Excitation functions for 209Bi(α,2n)211At, 209Bi(α,3n)210At and 209Bi(α,4n)209At reactions were calculated using TALYS-1.95 nuclear code from threshold to 50 MeV by invoking suitable options for level densities, nucleon-nucleus optical model potentials and alpha optical model potentials. Statistical factors were used to verify the quality of matching between theoretical model calculations and the experimental data from the EXFOR database. The TTY of 211At calculated using the excitation function of 209Bi(a,2n)211At reaction is compared with existing experimental studies from literature The results of the present study are important for the validation of nuclear model approaches with increased predictive power for 209Bi(α,xn) reactions for the production of 211At. •Excitation functions for 209Bi(a,2n)211At and 209Bi(a,3n)210Bi from reaction threshold to 50 MeV.•Effects of level densities, nucleon-nucleus optical model potentials and alpha particle optical model potentials.•Validation of the predictive power of the nuclear model calculations on the excitation functions.•Comparison of calculated TTY with existing experimental studies from literature.