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21Na(p,gamma)22Mg reaction and oxygen-neon novae
S Bishop1, R E Azuma, L Buchmann
1Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
The 21Na(p,gamma)22Mg reaction rate was directly measured for the first time using a radioactive 21Na beam. This finding is crucial for understanding 22Na nucleosynthesis in novae and the origin of a specific gamma-ray line.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Astrophysics
- Stellar Nucleosynthesis
- Novae Explosions
Background:
- The 21Na(p,gamma)22Mg reaction is significant for 22Na production in oxygen-neon novae.
- 22Na decay emits a characteristic 1.275 MeV gamma-ray line, a potential observable signature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly measure the rate of the 21Na(p,gamma)22Mg reaction.
- To determine the astrophysical implications of this reaction rate for nova nucleosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a radioactive 21Na beam for direct reaction rate measurement.
- Identified and characterized the key resonant state in 22Mg.
Main Results:
- Measured the energy of the important state at E(c.m.)=205.7+/-0.5 keV.
- Determined the resonance strength to be omegagamma=1.03+/-0.16(stat)+/-0.14(sys) meV.
Conclusions:
- Provides the first direct experimental constraint on the 21Na(p,gamma)22Mg reaction rate.
- Refines models of 22Na nucleosynthesis in novae and the interpretation of associated gamma-ray observations.
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