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Neutron Capture on the s-Process Branching Point ^{171}Tm via Time-of-Flight and Activation.

C Guerrero1,2, J Lerendegui-Marco1, M Paul3

  • 1Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.

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|October 16, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers measured neutron capture cross sections for unstable ^{171}Tm, crucial for stellar nucleosynthesis. The new data refines abundance predictions for elements like ^{171}Yb in stars, improving matches with pre-solar grain observations.

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Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Astrophysics
  • Stellar Nucleosynthesis
  • Neutron Capture Cross Sections

Background:

  • Unstable nuclides at branching points, like ^{171}Tm, are critical for understanding the s-process in stellar nucleosynthesis.
  • Neutron capture cross sections for ^{171}Tm were previously unknown, hindering accurate astrophysical models.
  • The A∼170 branching point is a key area for studying nucleosynthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To experimentally determine the neutron capture cross section of unstable ^{171}Tm as a function of neutron energy.
  • To provide crucial data for stellar nucleosynthesis models, particularly concerning the A∼170 branching.
  • To improve the accuracy of astrophysical abundance predictions.

Main Methods:

  • Production of over 5 mg of ^{171}Tm at the Institut Laue-Langevin and Paul Scherrer Institute.
  • Complementary experiments using time-of-flight (TOF) at CERN's n_TOF facility and activation measurements at Soreq's SARAF facility.
  • Determination of resonance parameters from TOF data and direct measurement of Maxwellian-averaged cross sections (MACS) at 30 keV via activation.

Main Results:

  • First set of resonance parameters for ^{171}Tm obtained from TOF experiment, enabling MACS estimation.
  • Direct and precise MACS measurement at 30 keV: 384(40) mb, consistent with TOF estimations.
  • Measured MACS is significantly different from current nuclear databases (e.g., JEFF-3.3, ENDF/B-VIII, KADoNiS), highlighting discrepancies.

Conclusions:

  • The new ^{171}Tm neutron capture cross section data impacts nucleosynthesis calculations at the A∼170 branching.
  • Calculated ^{171}Yb abundance increases, leading to better agreement with pre-solar SiC grain measurements.
  • Results necessitate re-evaluation of nuclear databases and stellar models for improved astrophysical accuracy.