The path to improved reaction rates for astrophysics
Abstract
This review focuses on nuclear reactions in astrophysics and, more specifically, on reactions with light ions (nucleons and alpha particles) proceeding via the strong interaction. It is intended to present the basic definitions essential for studies in nuclear astrophysics, to point out the differences between nuclear reactions taking place in stars and in a terrestrial laboratory, and to illustrate some of the challenges to be faced in theoretical and experimental studies of those reactions. The discussion revolves around the relevant quantities for astrophysics, which are the astrophysical reaction rates. The sensitivity of the reaction rates to the uncertainties in the prediction of various nuclear properties is explored and some guidelines for experimentalists are also provided
Publication date
2011-05Published in
International Journal of Modern Physics E - Nuclear PhysicsPublished version
https://doi.org/10.1142/S021830131101840XOther links
http://hdl.handle.net/2299/10520Metadata
Show full item recordRelated items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Determination of (n,gamma) reaction rates at s-process branching points via their inverse reactions
Sonnabend, K.; Mengoni, A.; Mohr, P.; Rauscher, T.; Vogt, K.; Zilges, A. (2003-05-19)We present our method to determine the (n,gamma) reaction rates of s-process branching point nuclei using data of the inverse (gamma,n) reaction. As an example, we selected Zr-95. The analysis of the data of the reaction ... -
Determining reaction cross sections via characteristic X-ray detection : alpha-induced reactions on Tm-169 for the astrophysical gamma-process
Kiss, G. G.; Rauscher, T.; Szuecs, T.; Kertesz, Zs.; Fueloep, Zs.; Gyuerky, Gy.; Froehlich, C.; Farkas, J.; Elekes, Z.; Somorjai, E. (2011-01-17)The cross sections of the Tm-169(alpha, gamma)Lu-173 and Tm-169(alpha,n)Lu-172 reactions have been measured first time using a new method, by detecting the characteristic X-ray radiation following the electron capture-decay ... -
Astrophysical Reaction Rates as a Challenge for Nuclear Reaction Theory
Rauscher, T. (American Institute of Physics (AIP), 2010)The relevant energy ranges for stellar nuclear reactions are introduced. Low-energy compound and direct reactions are discussed. Stellar modifications of the cross sections are presented. Implications for experiments are outlined.