Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
08:48
High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy to Study Picosecond-Nanosecond Dynamics of Proteins and Hydration Water
Published on: April 28, 2022
Neutron single particle structure in 131Sn and direct neutron capture cross sections
R L Kozub1, G Arbanas, A S Adekola
1Department of Physics, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee 38505, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Neutron capture by Tin-130 significantly impacts the r-process nucleosynthesis. New experiments provide crucial data, reducing uncertainties in neutron capture cross-section calculations for this region.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear astrophysics
- Nuclear physics
Background:
- Neutron capture rates on Tin-130 are critical for understanding late-time nucleosynthesis in the r-process.
- Direct capture into low-lying bound states is significant near the N=82 closed shell, influencing r-process reaction rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the properties of neutron single particle states in the N=82 region.
- Determine the impact of neutron capture on Tin-130 for r-process nucleosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Studied the (d,p) reaction in inverse kinematics using a 630 MeV beam of Tin-130.
- Utilized an array of Silicon strip detectors to detect reaction products.
Main Results:
- Observed results for the (130)Sn(d, p)(131)Sn reaction are similar to previous (132)Sn(d, p)(133)Sn experiments.
- Presented direct-semidirect (n,γ) cross section calculations based on new experimental data.
Conclusions:
- Experimental data significantly reduces uncertainties in neutron capture cross-section calculations.
- Provides a more accurate understanding of nucleosynthesis in the r-process.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Atomic Structure
Overview
01:17Atomic Structure
The Greek philosopher Democritus proposed that everything on Earth is made up of tiny particles called atomos, Greek for "indivisible," from which the modern term "atom" is derived. In the 19th century, John Dalton proposed the atomic theory that is still largely correct today. He put forth five postulates to explain how atoms made up the world around us. (1) All matter is composed of infinitely small particles or atoms. (2) All atoms of a given element are identical to one another and (3) are...
03:18Nuclear Stability
Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together in the...
To hold positively charged protons together in the...
03:23Types of Radioactivity
The most common types of radioactivity are α decay, β decay, γ decay, neutron emission, and electron capture.
Alpha (α) decay is the emission of an α particle from the nucleus. For example, polonium-210 undergoes α decay:
Alpha (α) decay is the emission of an α particle from the nucleus. For example, polonium-210 undergoes α decay:
01:08Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin
All atomic particles possess an intrinsic angular momentum, or 'spin'. Electrons, protons, and neutrons each have a spin value of ½, although protons and neutrons in nuclei may have higher half-integer spins owing to energetic factors.
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
Atomic nuclei have a net nuclear spin, , which can have an integer or half-integer value. In atomic nuclei, the spins of protons are paired against each other but not with neutrons, and vice versa. Consequently, an even number of protons does not contribute to...
01:14Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Population Distribution
Near absolute zero temperatures, in the presence of a magnetic field, the majority of nuclei prefer the lower energy spin-up state to the higher energy spin-down state. As temperatures increase, the energy from thermal collisions distributes the spins more equally between the two states. The Boltzmann distribution equation gives the ratio of the number of spins predicted in the spin −½ (N−) and spin +½ (N+) states.