Alpha-induced reactions in nuclear astrophysics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Studying the 15N(a,g) and 17O(a,n) reactions using direct and indirect techniques to better understand nucleosynthesis in AGB and massive stars.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST/N50452X/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2021 | |||
| 1799912 | Studentship | ST/N50452X/1 | 01/04/2016 | 30/11/2019 | Joseph Frost-Schenk |
| Description | The findings comprise of two key experimental outcomes: - A measurement of 15N + 4He occurred for the study of 19F abundances. The first directly measured measurement of the direct capture cross-section occurred using DRAGON, utilising a windowless He gas target and 15N beam. The work was intended to help explain galactic spectra. - Measurement of 21Ne occurred at TUNL (Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory) utilising a neutron transfer process. The measurement has helped restrain the ratio of what happens after 17O reacts with an alpha particle; whether it proceeds by emitting a neutron or gamma. This work has further improved the understanding of 16O as a neutron poison, which is useful in stellar models. The reaction has also obtained information on states in 21Ne. I have also been involved in outreach, including publication based on these activities, and it is hoped that this component of the work has had a positive impact on those considering studying physics. |
| Exploitation Route | There have already been 3 further measurements based on this work. |
| Sectors | Other |