Measurement of the Ce140(n,γ) Cross Section at n_TOF and Its Astrophysical Implications for the Chemical Evolution of the Universe

Collaboration
Mar 21, 2024
8 pages
Published in:
  • Phys.Rev.Lett. 132 (2024) 12, 122701
  • Published: Mar 21, 2024
Experiments:

Citations per year

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Abstract: (APS)
Ce140(n,γ) is a key reaction for slow neutron-capture (s-process) nucleosynthesis due to being a bottleneck in the reaction flow. For this reason, it was measured with high accuracy (uncertainty 5%) at the n_TOF facility, with an unprecedented combination of a high purity sample and low neutron-sensitivity detectors. The measured Maxwellian averaged cross section is up to 40% higher than previously accepted values. Stellar model calculations indicate a reduction around 20% of the s-process contribution to the Galactic cerium abundance and smaller sizeable differences for most of the heavier elements. No variations are found in the nucleosynthesis from massive stars.
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