Spectroscopic study of low-lyingN16levels

The magnitude of the {sup 15}N(n,{gamma}){sup 16}N reaction rate in asymptotic giant branch stars depends directly on the neutron spectroscopic factors of low-lying {sup 16}N levels. A new study of the {sup 15}N(d,p){sup 16}N reaction is reported populating the ground and first three excited states in {sup 16}N. The measured spectroscopic factors are near unity as expected from shell model calculations, resolving a long-standing discrepancy with earlier measurements that had never been confirmed or understood. Updated {sup 15}N(n,{gamma}){sup 16}N reaction rates are presented.