Proton capture cross section of Sr isotopes and their importance for nucleosynthesis of proton-rich nuclides

The (p,$\gamma$) cross sections of three stable Sr isotopes have been measured in the astrophysically relevant energy range. These reactions are important for the $p$-process in stellar nucleosynthesis and, in addition, the reaction cross sections in the mass region up to 100 are also of importance concerning the $rp$-process associated with explosive hydrogen and helium burning. It is speculated that this $rp$-process could be responsible for a certain amount of $p$-nuclei in this mass region. The (p,$\gamma$) cross sections of $^{84,86,87}$Sr isotopes were determined using an activation technique. The measurements were carried out at the 5 MV Van de Graaff accelerator of the ATOMKI, Debrecen. The resulting cross sections are compared with the predictions of statistical model calculations. The predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results for $^{84}$Sr(p,$\gamma$)$^{85}$Y whereas the other two reactions exhibit differences that increase with mass number. The corresponding astrophysical reaction rates have also been computed.Comment: Phys. Rev. C in pres

Statistical Model Analysis of (n, α) Cross Sections for 4.0-6.5 MeV Neutrons

The statistical model based on the Weisskopf-Ewing theory and constant nuclear temperature approximation is used for systematical analysis of the 4.0-6.5 MeV neutron induced (n, α) reaction cross sections. The α-clusterization effect was considered in the (n, α) cross sections. A certain dependence of the (n, α) cross sections on the relative neutron excess parameter of the target nuclei was observed. The systematic regularity of the (n, α) cross sections behaviour is useful to estimate the same reaction cross sections for unstable isotopes. The results of our analysis can be used for nuclear astrophysical calculations such as helium burning and possible branching in the s-process

Statistical Model Analysis of (

The statistical model based on the Weisskopf-Ewing theory and constant nuclear temperature approximation is used for systematical analysis of the 4.0-6.5 MeV neutron induced (n, α) reaction cross sections. The α-clusterization effect was considered in the (n, α) cross sections. A certain dependence of the (n, α) cross sections on the relative neutron excess parameter of the target nuclei was observed. The systematic regularity of the (n, α) cross sections behaviour is useful to estimate the same reaction cross sections for unstable isotopes. The results of our analysis can be used for nuclear astrophysical calculations such as helium burning and possible branching in the s-process

Detection of fast neutrons with the pixel detector Timepix3

We examined the response of the pixel detector Timepix3 with silicon sensor to well-defined fast neutron fields. Part of the pixel detector silicon sensor was additionally equipped with a neutron mask of distinct converter regions. The mask consists of separate thermal and fast neutron regions using 6LiF and hydrogen (plastic) converters, respectively. Measurements were performed with mono-energetic fast neutrons produced at D-D and D-T sources from a Van de Graaff accelerator and a neutron generator, respectively. Data were collected with low background including measurements with moderator material to provide a thermalized neutron component. All the signals produced in the detector were analyzed and decomposed in terms of the spectral -tracking response of the pixel detector. The effect of the fast and thermal components of the neutron converter were determined and compared with direct interactions in the silicon sensor which are significant and can be dominant for fast neutrons. We identify and classify the neutron-induced tracks in terms of the broad-type particle-event track classes. A partial overlap is unavoidable with tracks from direct detection of other radiations in particular protons and low-energy light ions as well as X rays. This will limit the neutron-event discrimination in mixed-radiation fields. The detection response according sensor-mask region was examined and calibrated for the investigated neutron fields. The neutron detection efficiency is selectively derived for the detector particle-event classes. This approach enables to enhance the neutron-discrimination and suppress background and unwanted events. This work enables to extend the response matrix of the detector for broad-type radiations to include neutrons both fast and thermal. The results serve to enhance the sensitivity and determine the neutron component in unknown and mixed-radiation fields such as outer space and particle radiotherapy environments.Web of Science181art. no. P0100