The ${}^{55}\mathrm{Mn}$$(d,n){}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ differential cross section is measured at $E_d=7$ MeV. The ${}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ level density obtained from neutron evaporation spectra is compared to the level density extracted from the ${}^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$$({}^3\mathrm{He}$, $\alpha \gamma ){}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ reaction by the Oslo-type technique. Good agreement is found between the level densities determined by the two methods. With the level density function obtained from the neutron evaporation spectra, the ${}^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ γ-strength function is also determined from the first-generation γ matrix of the Oslo experiment. The good agreement between the past and present results for the γ-strength function supports the validity of both methods and is consistent with the low-energy enhancement of the γ strength below $~4$ MeV that was first discovered by the Oslo method in iron and molybdenum isotopes.

• Received 6 April 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.74.014314