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Nuclear astrophysics is a field at the intersection of nuclear physics and astrophysics, which seeks to understand the nuclear engines of astronomical objects and the origin of the chemical elements. This white paper summarizes progress and status of the field, the new open questions that have emerged, and the tremendous scientific opportunities that have opened up with major advances in capabilities across an ever growing number of disciplines and subfields that need to be integrated.We take a holistic view of the field discussing the unique challenges and opportunities in nuclear astrophysics in regards to science, diversity, education, and the interdisciplinarity and breadth of the field. Clearly nuclear astrophysics is a dynamic field with a bright future that is entering a new era of discovery opportunities., National Science Foundation (NSF) PHY1430152 OISE-1927130, ExtreMeMatter Institute EMMI at the GSI Helmholtzzentrumfur Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt, European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) CA16117

The $^{13}$C($\alpha$,$n$)$^{16}$O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture (s-) process in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars and for the intermediate (i-) process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of $E_{\rm c.m.}=$0.24 MeV to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire i-process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60\% down to 15\%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing data sets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the s- and i-processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

The $^{22}\rm{Ne}(\alpha,\gamma)^{26}\rm{Mg}$ is an important reaction in stellar helium burning environments as it competes directly with one of the main neutron sources for the s-process, the $^{22}\rm{Ne}(\alpha,n)^{25}\rm{Mg}$ reaction. The reaction rate of the $^{22}\rm{Ne}(\alpha,\gamma)^{26}\rm{Mg}$ is dominated by the low energy resonances at $E_{\alpha}^{lab}$ = 650 and 830 keV respectively. The $E_{\alpha}^{lab}$ = 830 keV resonance has been measured previously, but there are some uncertainties in the previous measurements. We confirmed the measurement of the $E_{\alpha}^{lab}$ = 830 keV resonance using implanted $^{22}$Ne targets. We obtained a resonance strength of $\omega\gamma$ = 35 $\pm$ 4 $\mu eV$, and provide a weighted average of the present and previous measurements of $\omega\gamma$ = 35 $\pm$ 2 $\mu eV$ with reduced uncertainties compared to previous studies. We also attempted to measure the strength of the predicted resonance at $E_{\alpha}^{lab}$ = 650 keV directly for the first time and found an upper limit of $\omega\gamma$ $\mathrm{, Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures

The $^{22}\rm{Ne}(α,γ)^{26}\rm{Mg}$ is an important reaction in stellar helium burning environments as it competes directly with one of the main neutron sources for the s-process, the $^{22}\rm{Ne}(α,n)^{25}\rm{Mg}$ reaction. The reaction rate of the $^{22}\rm{Ne}(α,γ)^{26}\rm{Mg}$ is dominated by the low energy resonances at $E_α^{lab}$ = 650 and 830 keV respectively. The $E_α^{lab}$ = 830 keV resonance has been measured previously, but there are some uncertainties in the previous measurements. We confirmed the measurement of the $E_α^{lab}$ = 830 keV resonance using implanted $^{22}$Ne targets. We obtained a resonance strength of $ωγ$ = 35 $\pm$ 4 $μeV$, and provide a weighted average of the present and previous measurements of $ωγ$ = 35 $\pm$ 2 $μeV$ with reduced uncertainties compared to previous studies. We also attempted to measure the strength of the predicted resonance at $E_α^{lab}$ = 650 keV directly for the first time and found an upper limit of $ωγ$ $\mathrm{, 10 pages, 6 figures

The CNO cycle is the main energy source in massive stars during their hydrogen burning phase, and, for our sun, it contributes at the ≈1% level. As the ¹⁴N(p,γ)¹⁵O reaction is the slowest in the cycle, it determines the CNO energy production rate and thus the CNO contribution to the solar neutrino flux. These CNO neutrinos are produced primarily from the β decay of ¹⁵O and, to a lesser extent, from the decay of ¹³N. Solar CNO neutrinos are challenging to detect, but they can provide independent new information on the metallicity of the solar core. Recently, CNO neutrinos from ¹⁵O have been identified for the first time with the Borexino neutrino detector at the INFN Gran Sasso underground laboratory. There are, however, still some considerable uncertainties in the ¹⁴N(p,γ)¹⁵O reaction rate under solar temperature conditions. The low energy reaction data presented here, measured at the CASPAR underground accelerator, aim at connecting existing measurements at higher energies and attempts to shed light on the discrepancies between the various data sets, while moving towards a better understanding of the ¹⁴N(p,γ)¹⁵O reaction cross section. The present measurements span proton energies between 0.27 and 1.07 MeV, closing a critical gap in the existing data. A multichannel R-matrix analysis was performed with the entire new and existing data sets and is used to extrapolate the astrophysical S factors of the ground state and the 6.79 MeV transition to low energies. The extrapolations are found to be in agreement with previous work, but find that the discrepancies between measured data and R-matrix fits, both past and present, still exist. We examine the possible reasons for these discrepancies and thereby provide recommendations for future studies.

Background: A multitude of broad interfering resonances characterize the ¹⁰B(p,α)⁷Be cross section at low energies. The complexity of the reaction mechanism, as well as conflicting experimental measurements, have so far prevented a reliable prediction of the cross section over the energy ranges pertinent for a boron-proton fusion reactor environment. Purpose: To improve the evaluated cross section of the ¹⁰B(p,α)⁷Be reaction, this study targets the proton energy region from 0.8 to 2.0 MeV, where kinematic overlap of the scattered protons and reaction α particles have made past measurements very challenging. Method: New detailed studies of the reaction have been performed at the Edwards Accelerator Laboratory at Ohio University and the Nuclear Science Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame using time-of-flight and degrader foil techniques, respectively. Results: Proton and α-particle signals were clearly resolved using both techniques, and 16 point differential cross sections were measured over an angular range of θlab=45° and 157.5°. A comprehensive R-matrix analysis of the experimental data, including data from previous low-energy studies of the ¹⁰B(p,α)⁷Be, ¹⁰B(p,p)¹⁰B, and ¹⁰B(p,γ)¹¹C reactions, was achieved over the region of measurement. Using a representative set of previous data, the fit was extended to very low energies. Conclusions: On the basis of this data and R-matrix analysis, a more reliable and consistent description of the ¹⁰B(p,α)⁷Be cross section has been established. The uncertainty over the energy range of this study has been reduced from ≈20% to ≈10%, and the level structure over this region has been clarified considerably.

The observation of secondary γ-rays provides an alternative method of measuring cross sections that populate excited final states in nuclear reactions. The angular distributions of these γ-rays also provide information on the underlying reaction mechanism. Despite the large number of data of this type in the literature, publicly available R-matrix codes do not have the ability to calculate these types of angular distributions. In this paper, the mathematical formalism derived by C. R. Brune and R. J. deBoer [Phys. Rev. C 102, 024628 (2020)2469-998510.1103/PhysRevC.102.024628] is implemented in the R-matrix code azure2 and calculations are compared with previous data from the literature for the N15(p,α1γ)C∗12 reaction. In addition, new measurements, made at the University of Notre Dame Nuclear Science Laboratory using the Hybrid Array of Gamma Ray Detectors (HAGRiD), are reported that span the energy range from Ep=0.88 MeV to Ep=4.0MeV. Excellent agreement between the data and the phenomenological fit is obtained up to the limit of the previous fit at Ep=2.0MeV and the R-matrix fit is extended from Ex≈13.5 MeV up to Ex≈15.3 MeV, where N15+p and C12+α reactions are fit simultaneously for the first time. An excellent reproduction of the N15(p,α1γ)C∗12 and C12(α,α)C12 data is achieved, but inconsistencies and difficulty in fitting other data are encountered and discussed.

Nuclear reactions play a key role in the framework of the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis. A network of 12 principal reactions has been identified as the main path that drove the elemental nucleosynthesis in the first 20 min of the history of the Universe. Among them an important role is played by neutron-induced reactions, which, from an experimental point of view, are usually a difficult task to be measured directly. Nevertheless big efforts in the last decades have led to a better understanding of their role in the primordial nucleosynthesis network. In this work we apply the Trojan Horse Method to extract the cross section at astrophysical energies for the 3He (n,p)3H reaction after a detailed study of the 2H (3He ,pt)H three-body process. Data extracted from the present measurement are compared with other published sets.

Background: Shell hydrogen burning during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) phase through the oxygen isotopes has been indicated as a key process that is needed to understand the observed 18O/16O relative abundance in presolar grains and in stellar atmospheres. This ratio is strongly influenced by the relative strengths of the reactions 18O(p ,α )15N and 18O(p ,γ )19F in low-mass AGB stars. While the former channel has been the focus of a large number of measurements, the (p ,γ ) reaction path has only recently received some attention and its stellar reaction rate over a wide temperature range rests on only one measurement. Purpose: Our aim is the direct measurement of states in 19F as populated through the reaction 18O(p ,γ )19F to better determine their influence on the astrophysical reaction rate, and more generally to improve the understanding of the nuclear structure of 19F. Method: Branchings and resonance strengths were measured in the proton energy range Eplab=150 -400 keV , using a high-purity germanium detector inside a massive lead shield. The measurement took place in the ultra-low-background environment of the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA) experiment at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory, leading to a highly increased sensitivity. Results: The uncertainty of the γ branchings and strengths was improved for all four resonances in the studied energy range; many new transitions were observed in the case of the 334 keV resonance, and individual γ decays of the 215 keV resonance were measured for the first time. In addition a number of transitions to intermediate states that decay through α emission were identified. The strengths of the observed resonances are generally in agreement with literature values. Conclusions: Our measurements substantially confirm previous determinations of the relevant resonance strengths. Therefore the 18O(p ,γ )19F reaction rate does not change with respect to the reaction rate reported in the compilations commonly adopted in the extant computations of red-giant branch and AGB stellar models. Nevertheless, our measurements definitely exclude a nonstandard scenario for the fluorine nucleosynthesis and a nuclear physics solution for the 18O depletion observed in Group 2 oxygen-rich stardust grains.

The observation of oxygen isotopes in giant stars sheds light on mixing processes operating in their interiors. Due to the very strong correlation between nuclear burning and mixing processes it is very important to reduce the uncertainty on the cross sections of the nuclear reactions that are involved. In this paper we focus our attention on the reaction O18(p,γ)19F. While the O18(p,α)15N channel is thought to be dominant, the (p,γ) channel can still be an important component in stellar burning in giants, depending on the low energy cross section. So far only extrapolations from higher-energy measurements exist and recent estimates vary by orders of magnitude. These large uncertainties call for an experimental reinvestigation of this reaction. We present a direct measurement of the O18(p,γ)19F cross section using a high-efficiency 4π BGO summing detector at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA). The reaction cross section has been directly determined for the first time from 140 keV down to 85 keV and the different cross section components have been obtained individually. The previously highly uncertain strength of the 90 keV resonance was found to be 0.53 ± 0.07 neV, three orders of magnitude lower than an indirect estimate based on nuclear properties of the resonant state and a factor of 20 lower than a recently established upper limit, excluding the possibility that the 90 keV resonance can contribute significantly to the stellar reaction rate.

The NeNa and the MgAl cycles play a fundamental role in the nucleosynthesis of asymptotic giant branch stars undergoing hot bottom burning. The Na23(p,γ)24Mg reaction links these two cycles and a precise determination of its rate is required to correctly estimate the contribution of these stars to the chemical evolution of various isotopes of Na, Mg and Al. At temperatures of 50≲T≲110MK, narrow resonances at Ep=140 and 251keV are the main contributors to the reaction rate, in addition to the direct capture that dominates in the lower part of the temperature range. We present new measurements of the strengths of these resonances at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA). We have used two complementary detection approaches: high efficiency with a 4π BGO detector for the 140keV resonance, and high resolution with a HPGe detector for the 251keV resonance. Thanks to the reduced cosmic ray background of LUNA, we were able to determine the resonance strength of the 251keV resonance as ωγ=482(82)μeV and observed new gamma ray transitions for the decay of the corresponding state in Mg24 at Ex=11931keV. With the highly efficient BGO detector, we observed a signal for the 140keV resonance for the first time in a direct measurement, resulting in a strength of ωγ140=1.46−0.53+0.58neV (68% CL). Our measurement reduces the uncertainty of the Na23(p,γ)24Mg reaction rate in the temperature range from 0.05 to 0.1GK to at most −35%+50% at 0.07GK. Accordingly, our results imply a significant reduction of the uncertainties in the nucleosynthesis calculations.

The neutron capture cross section of ⁹Be for stellar energies was measured via the activation technique using the Karlsruhe Van de Graaff accelerator in combination with accelerator mass spectrometry at the Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator. To characterize the energy region of interest for astrophysical applications, activations were performed in a quasi-stellar neutron spectrum of kT = 25 keV and for a spectrum at En = 473+53 keV. Despite of the very small cross section, the method used provided the required sensitivity for obtaining fairly accurate results of 10.4+0.6 and 8.4+1.0 µb, respectively. With these data it was possible to constrain the cross section shape up to the first resonances at 622 and 812 keV, thus allowing for the determination of Maxwellian averaged cross sections at thermal energies between kT = 5 and 100 keV. In addition, we report a new experimental cross section value at thermal energy of sth = 8.31+0.52 mb.

A recoil mass separator SECAR has been designed for the purpose of studying low-energy (p,γ) and (α,γ) reactions in inverse kinematics with radioactive beams for masses up to about A = 65. Their reaction rates are of importance for our understanding of the energy production and nucleosynthesis during explosive hydrogen and helium burning. The radiative capture reactions take place in a windowless hydrogen or He gas target at the entrance of the separator, which consists of four Sections. The first Section selects the charge state of the recoils. The second and third Sections contain Wien Filters providing high mass resolving power to separate efficiently the intense beam from the few reaction products. In the following fourth Section, the reaction products are guided into a detector system capable of position, angle and time-of-flight measurements. In order to accept the complete kinematic cone of recoil particles including multiple scattering in the target in the center of mass energy range of 0.2 MeV to 3.0 MeV, the system must have a large polar angle acceptance of ± 25 mrad. This requires a careful minimization of higher order aberrations. The present system will be installed at the NSCL ReA3 accelerator and will be used with the much higher beam intensities of the FRIB facility when it becomes available.

Direct measurements of small nuclear reaction cross sections require a low background in the signal region of interest to achieve the necessary sensitivity. We describe two complementary detector setups that have been used for studies of reactions with solid targets at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA): a high-purity germanium detector and a bismuth germanate (BGO) detector. We present the effect of a customised lead shielding on the measured background spectra in the two detector setups at LUNA. We developed a model to describe the contributions of environmental and intrinsic backgrounds in the BGO detector measurements. Furthermore we present an upgrade of the data acquisition system for our BGO detector, which allows us to exploit the features of the segmented detector and overcome some of the limitations encountered in previous experiments. We conclude with a discussion on the improved sensitivity of the presented setups, and the benefits for ongoing and possible future measurements.

Background: The CNO cycle is the main energy source in stars more massive than our sun; it defines the energy production and the cycle time that lead to the lifetime of massive stars, and it is an important tool for the determination of the age of globular clusters. In our sun about 1.6% of the total solar neutrino flux comes from the CNO cycle. The largest uncertainty in the prediction of this CNO flux from the standard solar model comes from the uncertainty in the N-14(p,gamma)O-15 reaction rate; thus, the determination of the cross section at astrophysical temperatures is of great interest. Purpose: The total cross section of the N-14(p,gamma)O-15 reaction has large contributions from the transitions to the E-x = 6.79 MeV excited state and the ground state of O-15. The E-x = 6.79 MeV transition is dominated by radiative direct capture, while the ground state is a complex mixture of direct and resonance capture components and the interferences between them. Recent studies have concentrated on cross-section measurements at very low energies, but broad resonances at higher energy may also play a role. A single measurement has been made that covers a broad higher-energy range but it has large uncertainties stemming from uncorrected summing effects. Furthermore, the extrapolations of the cross section vary significantly depending on the data sets considered. Thus, new direct measurements have been made to improve the previous high-energy studies and to better constrain the extrapolation. Methods: Measurements were performed at the low-energy accelerator facilities of the nuclear science laboratory at the University of Notre Dame. The cross section was measured over the proton energy range from E-p = 0.7 to 3.6 MeV for both the ground state and the E-x = 6.79 MeV transitions at theta(lab) = 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 150 degrees. Both TiN and implanted-N-14 targets were utilized. gamma rays were detected by using an array of high-purity germanium detectors. Results: The excitation function as well as angular distributions of the two transitions were measured. A multichannel R-matrix analysis was performed with the present data and is compared with previous measurements. The analysis covers a wide energy range so that the contributions from broad resonances and direct capture can be better constrained. Conclusion: The astrophysical S factors of the E-x = 6.79 MeV and the ground-state transitions were extrapolated to low energies with the newly measured differential-cross-section data. Based on the present work, the extrapolations yield S-6.79(0) = 1.29 +/- 0.04(stat) +/- 0.09(syst) keV b and S-g.s.(0) = 0.42 +/- 0.04(stat) keV b. While significant improvement and consistency is found in modeling the E-x = 6.79 MeV transition, large inconsistencies in both the R-matrix fitting and the low-energy data are reaffirmed for the ground-state transition. Reflecting this, a systematic uncertainty of (+0.09)(-0.19) keVb is recommended for the ground-state transition.

The nucleosynthesis of light elements, from helium up to silicon, mainly occurs in Red Giant and Asymptotic Giant Branch stars and Novae. The relative abundances of the synthesized nuclides critically depend on the rates of the nuclear processes involved, often through non-trivial reaction chains, combined with complex mixing mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the contributions made by LUNA experiments in furthering our understanding of nuclear reaction rates necessary for modeling nucleosynthesis in AGB stars and Novae explosions., 23 pages, 12 figures

The creation of carbon and oxygen in our universe is one of the forefront questions in nuclear astrophysics. The determination of the abundance of these elements is key to both our understanding of the formation of life on earth and to the life cycles of stars. While nearly all models of different nucleosynthesis environments are affected by the production of carbon and oxygen, a key ingredient, the precise determination of the reaction rate of 12C(a,g)16O, has long remained elusive. This is owed to the reaction's inaccessibility, both experimentally and theoretically. Nuclear theory has struggled to calculate this reaction rate because the cross section is produced through different underlying nuclear mechanisms. Isospin selection rules suppress the E1 component of the ground state cross section, creating a unique situation where the E1 and E2 contributions are of nearly equal amplitudes. Experimentally there have also been great challenges. Measurements have been pushed to the limits of state of the art techniques, often developed for just these measurements. The data have been plagued by uncharacterized uncertainties, often the result of the novel measurement techniques, that have made the different results challenging to reconcile. However, the situation has markedly improved in recent years, and the desired level of uncertainty, about 10%, may be in sight. In this review the current understanding of this critical reaction is summarized. The emphasis is placed primarily on the experimental work and interpretation of the reaction data, but discussions of the theory and astrophysics are also pursued. The main goal is to summarize and clarify the current understanding of the reaction and then point the way forward to an improved determination of the reaction rate.

The cross section of the $^{23}$Na($n, \gamma$)$^{24}$Na reaction has been measured via the activation method at the Karlsruhe 3.7 MV Van de Graaff accelerator. NaCl samples were exposed to quasistellar neutron spectra at $kT=5.1$ and 25 keV produced via the $^{18}$O($p, n$)$^{18}$F and $^{7}$Li($p, n$)$^{7}$Be reactions, respectively. The derived capture cross sections $\langle\sigma\rangle_{\rm kT=5 keV}=9.1\pm0.3$ mb and $\langle\sigma\rangle_{\rm kT=25 keV}=2.03 \pm 0.05$ mb are significantly lower than reported in literature. These results were used to substantially revise the radiative width of the first $^{23}$Na resonance and to establish an improved set of Maxwellian average cross sections. The implications of the lower capture cross section for current models of $s$-process nucleosynthesis are discussed.

It is crucial to measure reaction cross sections relevant to the astrophysical gamma process so that theoretical reaction rates can be tested and validated with experimental data. The total cross sections for the Er-162(p,gamma)Tm-163 and the Er-162(p,n)Tm-162 reactions have been measured by the activation method in center-of-mass energies from 3.973 to 8.944 MeV and from 5.962 to 8.944 MeV, respectively. The nucleus Er-162 is the heaviest p nuclide to be measured by the activation method using gamma-ray spectroscopy, so far. It is important to note that the energy range for the (p, gamma) reaction measurement covers a large fraction of the astrophysically relevant energy region between 2.71 and 5.34 MeV. The targets were prepared by evaporating 28.2% isotopically enriched (Er2O3)-Er-162 powder onto carbon backing foils, and bombarded with proton beams provided by the FN Tandem Accelerator at the University of Notre Dame. The reaction yields have been determined by the observed activity of produced radioactive isotopes, which was detected offline by a high-purity germanium detector. The results are presented and compared with calculations from two statistical model codes: NON-SMOKER and TALYS.

The cross section of the $^{23}$Na($n, ��$)$^{24}$Na reaction has been measured via the activation method at the Karlsruhe 3.7 MV Van de Graaff accelerator. NaCl samples were exposed to quasistellar neutron spectra at $kT=5.1$ and 25 keV produced via the $^{18}$O($p, n$)$^{18}$F and $^{7}$Li($p, n$)$^{7}$Be reactions, respectively. The derived capture cross sections $\langle��\rangle_{\rm kT=5 keV}=9.1\pm0.3$ mb and $\langle��\rangle_{\rm kT=25 keV}=2.03 \pm 0.05$ mb are significantly lower than reported in literature. These results were used to substantially revise the radiative width of the first $^{23}$Na resonance and to establish an improved set of Maxwellian average cross sections. The implications of the lower capture cross section for current models of $s$-process nucleosynthesis are discussed.

This white paper informs the nuclear astrophysics community and funding agencies about the scientific directions and priorities of the field and provides input from this community for the 2015 Nuclear Science Long Range Plan. It summarizes the outcome of the nuclear astrophysics town meeting that was held on August 21–23, 2014 in College Station at the campus of Texas A&M University in preparation of the NSAC Nuclear Science Long Range Plan. It also reflects the outcome of an earlier town meeting of the nuclear astrophysics community organized by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA) on October 9–10, 2012 Detroit, Michigan, with the purpose of developing a vision for nuclear astrophysics in light of the recent NRC decadal surveys in nuclear physics (NP2010) and astronomy (ASTRO2010). The white paper is furthermore informed by the town meeting of the Association of Research at University Nuclear Accelerators (ARUNA) that took place at the University of Notre Dame on June 12–13, 2014. In summary we find that nuclear astrophysics is a modern and vibrant field addressing fundamental science questions at the intersection of nuclear physics and astrophysics. These questions relate to the origin of the elements, the nuclear engines that drive life and death of stars, and the properties of dense matter. A broad range of nuclear accelerator facilities, astronomical observatories, theory efforts, and computational capabilities are needed. With the developments outlined in this white paper, answers to long standing key questions are well within reach in the coming decade.

Neutrons produced by the carbon fusion reaction C12(C12,n)Mg23 play an important role in stellar nucleosynthesis. However, past studies have shown large discrepancies between experimental data and theory, leading to an uncertain cross section extrapolation at astrophysical energies. We present the first direct measurement that extends deep into the astrophysical energy range along with a new and improved extrapolation technique based on experimental data from the mirror reaction C12(C12,p)Na23. The new reaction rate has been determined with a well-defined uncertainty that exceeds the precision required by astrophysics models. Using our constrained rate, we find that C12(C12,n)Mg23 is crucial to the production of Na and Al in pop-III pair instability supernovae. It also plays a nonnegligible role in the production of weak s-process elements, as well as in the production of the important galactic γ-ray emitter Fe60.

X-ray bursts have been suggested as a possible site for the astrophysical rp-process. The time scale for the process is governed by β-decay half-lives of several even-even N = Z waiting point nuclei, in particular, N = Z = 40 80Zr. A 4.1(+0.8-0.6)-s β+/EC half-life for 80Zr was determined by observing delayed 84-keV γ rays depopulating a T1/2 = 4-μs isomer at 312 keV in the daughter 80Y. As this half-life is lower than many previously predicted values, the calculated excessive production of A = 80 nuclides in astrophysical x-ray burst scenarios is reduced, and less extreme conditions are necessary for the production of heavier nuclides.

New experimental data for dissociation of relativistic 17Ne projectiles incident on targets of lead, carbon, and polyethylene targets at GSI are presented. Special attention is paid to the excitation and decay of narrow resonant states in 17Ne. Distributions of internal energy in the O15+p+p three-body system have been determined together with angular and partial-energy correlations between the decay products in different energy regions. The analysis was done using existing experimental data on 17Ne and its mirror nucleus 17N. The isobaric multiplet mass equation is used for assignment of observed resonances and their spins and parities. A combination of data from the heavy and light targets yielded cross sections and transition probabilities for the Coulomb excitations of the narrow resonant states. The resulting transition probabilities provide information relevant for a better understanding of the 17Ne structure.

The proton-capture reaction Si26(p,γ)P27 was studied via Coulomb dissociation (CD) of P27 at an incident energy of about 500 MeV/u. The three lowest-lying resonances in P27 have been populated and their resonance strengths have been measured. In addition, a nonresonant direct-capture component was clearly identified and its astrophysical S factor measured. The experimental results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations of the CD process using a semiclassical model. Our thermonuclear reaction rates show good agreement with the rates from a recent compilation. With respect to the nuclear structure of P27 we have found evidence for a negative-parity intruder state at 2.88-MeV excitation energy.

Background: The synthesis of heavy, proton rich isotopes in the astrophysical γ process proceeds through photodisintegration reactions. For the improved understanding of the process, the rates of the involved nuclear reactions must be known. The reaction 128 Ba(γ ,α ) 124 Xe was found to affect the abundance of the p nucleus 124 Xe in previous rate variation studies. Purpose: Since the stellar rate for this reaction cannot be determined by a measurement directly, the aim of the present work was to measure the cross section of the inverse 124 Xe(α ,γ ) 128 Ba reaction and to compare the results with statistical model predictions used in astrophysical networks. Modified nuclear input can then be used to provide an improved stellar reaction rate. Of great importance is the fact that data below the (α ,n ) threshold was obtained. Studying simultaneously the 124 Xe(α ,n ) 127 Ba reaction channel at higher energy allowed to further identify the source of a discrepancy between data and prediction. Method: The 124 Xe(α ,γ ) 128 Ba and 124 Xe(α ,n ) 127 Ba cross sections were measured with the activation method using a thin window 124 Xe gas cell and an α beam from a cyclotron accelerator. The studied energy range was between E α =11 and 15 MeV close above the astrophysically relevant energy range. Results: The obtained cross sections are compared with Hauser-Feshbach statistical model calculations. The experimental cross sections are smaller than standard predictions previously used in astrophysical calculations. As a dominating source of the difference, the theoretical α width was identified. The experimental data suggest an α width lower by at least a factor of 0.125 in the astrophysically important energy range. Conclusions: An upper limit for the 128 Ba(γ ,α ) 124 Xe stellar rate was inferred from our measurement. The impact of this rate and lower rates was studied in two different models for core-collapse supernova explosions of 25 M ⊙ stars. A significant contribution to the 124 Xe abundance via this reaction path would only be possible when the rate was increased above the previous standard value. Since the experimental data rule this out, they also demonstrate the closure of this production path.

The neutron-induced fission cross section of Np237 was experimentally determined at the high-resolution and high-intensity facility n_TOF, at CERN, in the energy range 100 keV to 9 MeV, using the U235(n,f) and U238(n,f) cross section standards below and above 2 MeV, respectively. A fast ionization chamber was used in order to detect the fission fragments from the reactions and the targets were characterized as far as their mass and homogeneity are concerned by means of α spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy respectively. Theoretical calculations within the Hauser-Feshbach formalism have been performed, employing the empire code, and the model parameters were tuned in order to successfully reproduce the experimental fission cross-sectional data and simultaneously all the competing reaction channels.

The synthesis of heavy, proton rich isotopes in the astrophysical gamma-process proceeds through photodisintegration reactions. For the improved understanding of the process, the rates of the involved nuclear reactions must be known. The reaction 128Ba(g,a)124Xe was found to affect the abundance of the p nucleus 124Xe. Since the stellar rate for this reaction cannot be determined by a measurement directly, the aim of the present work was to measure the cross section of the inverse 124Xe(a,g)128Ba reaction and to compare the results with statistical model predictions. Of great importance is the fact that data below the (a,n) threshold was obtained. Studying simultaneously the 124Xe(a,n)127Ba reaction channel at higher energy allowed to further identify the source of a discrepancy between data and prediction. The 124Xe + alpha cross sections were measured with the activation method using a thin window 124Xe gas cell. The studied energy range was between E = 11 and 15 MeV close above the astrophysically relevant energy range. The obtained cross sections are compared with statistical model calculations. The experimental cross sections are smaller than standard predictions previously used in astrophysical calculations. As dominating source of the difference, the theoretical alpha width was identified. The experimental data suggest an alpha width lower by at least a factor of 0.125 in the astrophysical energy range. An upper limit for the 128Ba(g,a)124Xe stellar rate was inferred from our measurement. The impact of this rate was studied in two different models for core-collapse supernova explosions of 25 solar mass stars. A significant contribution to the 124Xe abundance via this reaction path would only be possible when the rate was increased above the previous standard value. Since the experimental data rule this out, they also demonstrate the closure of this production path., Comment: Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. C

The proton-capture reaction 26Si(p,γ)27P was studied via Coulomb dissociation (CD) of 27P at an incident energy of about 500 MeV / u. The three lowest-lying resonances in 27P have been populated and their resonance strengths have been measured. In addition, a nonresonant direct-capture component was clearly identified and its astrophysical S factor measured. The experimental results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations of the CD process using a semiclassical model. Our thermonuclear reaction rates show good agreement with the rates from a recent compilation. With respect to the nuclear structure of 27P we have found evidence for a negative-parity intruder state at 2.88-MeV excitation energy.

The time-reversed reaction O-15(2p, gamma) Ne-17 has been studied by the Coulomb dissociation technique. Secondary 17Ne ion beams at 500 AMeV have been produced by fragmentation reactions of Ne-20 in a beryllium production target and dissociated on a secondary Pb target. The incoming beam and the reaction products have been identified with the kinematically complete LAND-(RB)-B-3 experimental setup at GSI. The excitation energy prior to decay has been reconstructed by using the invariant-mass method. The preliminary differential and integral Coulomb Dissociation cross sections (sigma(Coul)) have been calculated, which provide a photoabsorption (sigma(photo)) and a radiative capture cross section (sigma(cap)). Additionally, important information about the nuclear structure of the Ne-17 nucleus will be obtained. The analysis is in progress.

The $^{22}$Ne($\alpha$,n)$^{25}$Mg reaction is the dominant neutron source for the slow neutron capture process ($s$-process) in massive stars and contributes, together with the $^{13}$C($\alpha$,n)$^{16}$O, to the production of neutrons for the $s$-process in Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars. However, the reaction is endothermic and competes directly with the $^{22}$Ne($\alpha,\gamma)^{26}$Mg radiative capture. The uncertainties for both reactions are large owing to the uncertainty in the level structure of $^{26}$Mg near the alpha and neutron separation energies. These uncertainties are affecting the s-process nucleosynthesis calculations in theoretical stellar models. Indirect studies in the past have been successful in determining the energies, $\gamma$-ray and neutron widths of the $^{26}$Mg states in the energy region of interest. But, the high Coulomb barrier hinders a direct measurement of the resonance strengths, which are determined by the $\alpha$-widths for these states. The goal of the present experiments is to identify the critical resonance states and to precisely measure the $\alpha$-widths by $\alpha$ transfer techniques . Hence, the $\alpha$-inelastic scattering and $\alpha$-transfer measurements were performed on a solid $^{26}$Mg target and a $^{22}$Ne gas target, respectively, using the Grand Raiden Spectrometer at RCNP, Osaka, Japan. Six levels (E$_x$ = 10717 keV , 10822 keV, 10951 keV, 11085 keV, 11167 keV and 11317 keV) have been observed above the $\alpha$-threshold in the region of interest (10.61 - 11.32 MeV). The rates are dominated in both reaction channels by the resonance contributions of the states at E$_x$ = 10951, 11167 and 11317 keV. The E$_x$ =11167 keV has the most appreciable impact on the ($\alpha,\gamma$) rate and therefore plays an important role for the prediction of the neutron production in s-process environments.

Baryon density inhomogeneities in the early universe can give rise to a floor of heavy elements (up to $A\approx 270$) produced in a primordial r-process with fission cycling. A parameter study with variation of the global baryon to photon ratio $\eta$, and under inclusion of neutron diffusion effects was performed. New results concerning the dependence of the results on nuclear physics parameters are presented., Comment: 6 pages, 1 table, 2 figures; talk at the European Workshop on Heavy Element Nucleosynthesis, Budapest 1994; appeared in the proceedings, uploaded for easy access. in Proc. European Workshop on Heavy Element Nucleosynthesis, Budapest 1994, eds. E. Somorjai und Z. F\"ul\"op (Institute of Nuclear Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Debrecen 1994), p. 121

Background: The slowest reaction in the first CNO cycle is N14(p,γ)O15, therefore its rate determines the overall energy production efficiency of the entire cycle. The cross section presents several strong resonance contributions, especially for the ground-state transition. Some of the properties of the corresponding levels in the O15 compound nucleus remain uncertain, which affects the uncertainty in extrapolating the capture cross section to the low energy range of astrophysical interest. Purpose: The N14(p,γ)O15 cross section can be described by using the phenomenological R matrix. Over the energy range of interest, only the proton and γ-ray channels are open. Since resonance capture makes significant contributions to the N14(p,γ)O15 cross section, resonant proton scattering data can be used to provide additional constraints on the R-matrix fit of the capture data. Methods: A 4 MV KN Van de Graaff accelerator was used to bombard protons onto a windowless gas target containing enriched N14 gas over the proton energy range from Ep=1.0 to 3.0 MeV. Scattered protons were detected at θlab=90, 120°, 135°, 150°, and 160° using ruggedized silicon detectors. In addition, a 10 MV FN Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator was used to accelerate protons onto a solid Adenine (C5H5N5) target, of natural isotopic abundance, evaporated onto a thin self-supporting carbon backing, over the energy range from Ep=1.8 to 4.0 MeV. Scattered protons were detected at 28 angles between θlab=30.4° and 167.7° by using silicon photodiode detectors. Results: Relative cross sections were extracted from both measurements. While the relative cross sections do not provide as much constraint as absolute measurements, they greatly reduce the dependence of the data on otherwise significant systematic uncertainties, which are more difficult to quantify. The data are fit simultaneously using an R-matrix analysis and level energies and proton widths are extracted. Even with relative measurements, the statistics and large angular coverage of the measurements result in more confident values for the energies and proton widths of several levels; in particular, the broad resonance at Ec.m.=2.21 MeV, which corresponds to the 3/2+ level at Ex=9.51 MeV in O15. In particular, the s- and d-wave angular-momentum channels are separated. Conclusion: The relative cross sections provide a consistent set of data that can be used to better constrain a full multichannel R-matrix extrapolation of the capture data. It has been demonstrated how the scattering data reduce the uncertainty through a preliminary Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis, but several other issues remain that make large contributions to the uncertainty, which must be addressed by further capture and lifetime measurements.

Neutrons produced by the carbon fusion reaction 12C(12C,n)23Mg play an important role in stellar nucleosynthesis. However, past studies have shown large discrepancies between experimental data and theory, leading to an uncertain cross section extrapolation at astrophysical energies. We present the first direct measurement that extends deep into the astrophysical energy range along with a new and improved extrapolation technique based on experimental data from the mirror reaction 12C(12C,p)23Na. The new reaction rate has been determined with a well-defined uncertainty that exceeds the precision required by astrophysics models. Using our constrained rate, we find that 12C(12C,n)23Mg is crucial to the production of Na and Al in Pop-III Pair Instability Supernovae. It also plays a non-negligible role in the production of weak s-process elements as well as in the production of the important galactic gamma-ray emitter 60Fe., Comment: http://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.114.251102

The 238U to 23577 U fission cross section ratio has been determined at n_TOF up to 1 GeV, with two different detection systems, in different geometrical configurations. A total of four data sets has been collected and compared. They are all consistent to each other within the relative systematic uncertainty of 3-4%. The data collected at n_TOF have been suitably combined to yield a unique fission cross section ratio as a function of neutron energy. The result confirms current evaluations up to 200 MeV. Good agreement is also observed with theoretical calculations based on the INCL++/Gemini++ combination up to the highest measured energy. The n_TOF results may help solving a long-standing discrepancy between the two most important experimental datasets available so far above 20 MeV, while extending the neutron energy range for the first time up to 1 GeV., JRC.D.4-Standards for Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards

Background: The design of new nuclear reactors and transmutation devices requires to reduce the present neutron cross section uncertainties of minor actinides. Purpose: Improvement of the 243Am(n,γ ) cross section uncertainty. Method: The 243Am(n,γ ) cross section has been measured at the n_TOF facility at CERN with a BaF2 total absorption calorimeter, in the energy range between 0.7 eV and 2.5 keV. Results: The 243Am(n,γ ) cross section has been successfully measured in the mentioned energy range. The resolved resonance region has been extended from 250 eV up to 400 eV. In the unresolved resonance region our results are compatible with one of the two incompatible capture data sets available below 2.5 keV. The data available in EXFOR and in the literature have been used to perform a simple analysis above 2.5 keV. Conclusions: The results of this measurement contribute to reduce the 243Am(n,γ ) cross section uncertainty and suggest that this cross section is underestimated up to 25% in the neutron energy range between 50 eV and a few keV in the present evaluated data libraries., JRC.D.4-Standards for Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards

The yield of the neutron capture reaction 232Th(n,γ) has been measured at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN in the energy range from 1 eV to 1 MeV. The reduction of the acquired data to the capture yield for resolved resonances from 1 eV to 4 keV is described and compared to a recent evaluated data set. The resonance parameters were used to assign an orbital momentum to each resonance. A missing level estimator was used to extract the s-wave level spacing of D0=17.2±0.9 eV.

The 15N(p,g)16O reaction represents a break out reaction linking the first and second cycle of the CNO cycles redistributing the carbon and nitrogen abundances into the oxygen range. The reaction is dominated by two broad resonances at Ep = 338 keV and 1028 keV and a Direct Capture contribution to the ground state of 16O. Interference effects between these contributions in both the low energy region (Ep < 338 keV) and in between the two resonances (338, Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures

The radionuclide Fe-60 has been of great interest to the nuclear astrophysics community for over a decade. An initial discrepancy between the observed and modeled Galactic Fe-60/Al-26 ratio motivated numerous studies focused on the nucleosynthesis of these two isotopes, though the cross section of the primary astrophysical production reaction, Fe-59(n,gamma)Fe-60, has remained purely theoretical. The present work offers a first experimental constraint on the Fe-59(n,gamma)Fe-60 cross section at astrophysical energies, obtained indirectly via Coulomb dissociation, and demonstrates that the theoretical reaction rates used in present stellar models are not highly erroneous.