Towards Neutron Capture on Exotic Nuclei: Demonstrating (d,pγ) as a Surrogate Reaction for (n,γ)

Area of Science:

• Nuclear astrophysics
• Nuclear physics
• Nuclear engineering

Background:

• Neutron-capture reactions are fundamental to nucleosynthesis in stars and have critical applications in nuclear power and stockpile stewardship.
• Directly measuring neutron capture cross sections for short-lived, exotic nuclei is experimentally challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel indirect technique for determining neutron-capture cross sections of exotic, short-lived nuclei.
• To validate the new method using a benchmark study of the ^{95}Mo(d,p) reaction.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the (d,p) transfer reaction, a well-established nuclear structure tool.
• Leveraging recent advancements in reaction theory and experimental data collection for the (d,p) reaction.
• Applying the method to the ^{95}Mo(d,p) reaction as a case study.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated an indirect method to determine neutron-capture cross sections for short-lived nuclei.
• The benchmark study of the ^{95}Mo(d,p) reaction validated the feasibility and accuracy of the approach.
• Provided a framework for future applications at rare isotope accelerator facilities.

Conclusions:

• The (d,p) transfer reaction, combined with modern reaction theory, offers a viable pathway to measure crucial neutron-capture cross sections for exotic nuclei.
• This indirect method overcomes the limitations of direct measurements for short-lived isotopes.
• The technique is poised for significant impact in nuclear astrophysics and applied nuclear science, particularly with the advent of new rare isotope beams.