Astrophysical analysis of the measurement of (α,γ) and (α,n) cross sections of 169Tm
Abstract
Reaction cross sections of 169Tm(α,γ)173Lu and 169Tm(α,n)172Lu have been measured in the energy range 12.6≤Eα≤17.5 MeV and 11.5≤Eα≤17.5 MeV, respectively, using the recently introduced method of combining activation with x-ray counting. Improved shielding made it possible to measure the (α,γ) to lower energy than previously possible. The combination of (α,γ) and (α,n) data made it possible to study the energy dependence of the α width. While absolute value and energy dependence are perfectly reproduced by theory at the energies above 14 MeV, the observed change in energy dependence at energies below 14 MeV requires a modification of the predicted α width. Using an effective, energy-dependent, local optical α+nucleus potential it is possible to reproduce the data but the astrophysical rate is still not well constrained at γ-process temperatures. The additional uncertainty stemming from a possible modification of the compound formation cross section is discussed. Including the remaining uncertainties, the recommended range of astrophysical reaction rate values at 2 GK is higher than the previously used values by factors of 2-37.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review C
- Pub Date:
- July 2012
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevC.86.015804
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1206.6113
- Bibcode:
- 2012PhRvC..86a5804R
- Keywords:
-
- 26.30.Ef;
- 26.50.+x;
- 24.60.Dr;
- 25.55.-e;
- Explosive burning in supernovae shock fronts;
- Nuclear physics aspects of novae supernovae and other explosive environments;
- Statistical compound-nucleus reactions;
- <sup>3</sup>H- <sup>3</sup>He- and <sup>4</sup>He-induced reactions;
- Nuclear Theory;
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena;
- Astrophysics - Solar and Stellar Astrophysics;
- Nuclear Experiment
- E-Print:
- 8 pages, 7 figures, 4 tables