Fusion11 Conference Summary

A summary account of the conference "Fusion11", held in Saint Malo, France, May 2-6, 2011.Comment: 10 pages, 13 figure

Statistical Theory of Breakup Reactions

We propose alternatives to coupled-channels calculations with loosely-bound exotic nuclei (CDCC), based on the the random matrix (RMT) and the optical background (OPM) models for the statistical theory of nuclear reactions. The coupled channels equations are divided into two sets. The first set, described by the CDCC, and the other set treated with RMT. The resulting theory is a Statistical CDCC (CDCC$_S$), able in principle to take into account many pseudo channels.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figures. Contribution to: "4th International Workshop on Compound-Nuclear Reactions and Related Topics (CNR*13)", October 7-11, 2013, Maresias, Brazi

The astrophysical reaction 8Li(n,gamma)9Li from measurements by reverse kinematics

We study the breakup of 9Li projectiles in high energy (28.5 MeV/u) collisions with heavy nuclear targets (208Pb). The wave functions are calculated using a single-particle model for 9Li, and a simple optical potential model for the scattering part. A good agreement with measured data is obtained with insignificant E2 contribution.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

A Study of the Coulomb Dissociation of 8B and the 7Be(p, gamma)8B Reaction

We study the breakup reactions of 8B projectiles in high energy (50 and 250 MeV/u) collisions with heavy nuclear targets (208Pb). The intrinsic nuclear wave functions are calculated using a simple model, as well as a simple optical potential. We demonstrate that nuclear effects are negligible and evaluate the contributions of various (E1, E2 and M1) multipolarities. A good agreement with measured data is obtained with insignificant M1 contribution (at 50 MeV/u) and very small E2 contribution.Comment: 7 pages, 9 figure

Big Bang nucleosynthesis as a probe of new physics

The Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) model is a cornerstone for the understanding of the evolution of the early universe, making seminal predictions that are in outstanding agreement with the present observation of light element abundances in the universe. Perhaps, the only remaining issue to be solved by theory is the so-called "lithium abundance problem". Dedicated experimental efforts to measure the relevant nuclear cross sections used as input of the model have lead to an increased level of accuracy in the prediction of the light element primordial abundances. The rise of indirect experimental techniques during the preceding few decades has permitted the access of reaction information beyond the limitations of direct measurements. New theoretical developments have also opened a fertile ground for tests of physics beyond the standard model of atomic, nuclear, statistics, and particle physics. We review the latest contributions of our group for possible solutions of the lithium problem.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures, version accepted for publication. Refs. 69 and 70 added upon reques