星际^26Al核合成的研究进展

介绍了星际^26Al衰变所发射1809keVγ射线的最新空间探测结果,综述了目前关于星际^26Al起源的各种天体模型的研究进展。最后,简要阐述了^14N（p,γ）^15O反应截面的最新测量结果及其对^26Al起源研究的影响,探讨了一种星际26Al合成的可能新途径。     

Fusion Reaction of ^16O＋^14N and Its Implication for the Production of ^26Al in Explosive Oxygen Burning

We suggest that the fusion reaction ^16O＋^14N may be a new way to produce ^26Al in interstellar medium. Adopting different mixing modes, we investigate the impact on the production of ^26Al in explosive oxygen burning and find that the result is extremely sensitive to mixing mechanisms. In some cases, we obtain an encouraging result, for example, the greatest final abundance of ^26Al reaches 7.779×10^-6, which means that the explosive oxygen burning may be a new origin of ^26 Al.     

天体演化过程中CNO核子辐射俘获反应

C和N核的质子辐射俘获反应对恒星平稳H燃烧阶段的能量产生和元素核合成起重要作用, C, N和O 核的中子辐射俘获是原初核合成和AGB星核合成的关键反应, 精确测定它们天体物理反应率有重要意义。 除13N(p, γ)14O和16N(n, γ)17N等不稳定核的核子辐射俘获反应外, 国际上已完成了其中若干反应的直接测量工作。 但12C(p, γ)13N, 13C(p, γ)14N和15N(p, γ)16O等CNO循环关键反应的实验测量还没有达到天体物理感兴趣的能区。 13C(n, γ)14C,15N(n, γ)16N和18O(n, γ)19O等中子辐射俘获反应测量的能量跨度较大, 截面仍存在较大的不确定性。 介绍了这些反应的研究进展, 并讨论了间接测量这些反应的方法和可行性。 The proton radiative capture reactions of C and N nuclei are important for the energy production and nucleosynthesis in the CNO cycle, and the neutron radiative capture reactions of C, N and O nuclei are key reactions for the inhomogeneous Big Bang nucleosynthesis as well as for the neutron induced CNO cycle in AGB stars. So far, most of these reactions have been measured except some reactions of the unstable nuclei, such as 13N(p, γ)14O and 16N(n, γ)17N. While the direct measured reactions, such as the  12C(p, γ)13N, 13C(p, γ)14N and 15N(p, γ)16O key reactions in CNO cycle, have not reached down to the stellar energies. In addition, the large uncertainties still exist in the measured neutron capture reactions such as 13C(n, γ)14C,15N(n, γ)16N and 18O(n, γ)19O. Thus it is significant to determine their astrophysical reaction rates via the indirect measurements. In this paper, the research status and feasibility of the indirect measurements for these reactions are discussed.     

Determination of the ~(25)Mg(p,γ)~(26)Al resonance strength at E_(c.m.)=58 keV via shell model calculation

The observation of 26 Al is an useful tool for γ-ray astronomy and in studies of galactic chemical evolution. The most likely mechanism for 26A1 nucleosynthesis is in the hydrogen burning Mg Al cycle, and the 26A1 production reaction 25Mg(p,γ)26Al at the important temperature range below T = 0.2 GK is still not well known. The spectroscopic factor of 58 ke V resonance level in 26A1 is determined with shell model calculation and then used to deduce the resonance strength of the 25Mg(p,γ)26Al reaction. The result provides a reference for the future 25Mg(p,γ)26Al direct measurement at Jinping underground laboratory.     

β~--Decay Half-Lives for Waiting Point Nuclei Around N=126

We have systematically analyzed the experimental β--decay half-lives of waiting point heavy nuclei around neutron number N = 126. A new set of parameters for the exponential formula of β~--decay half-lives is proposed. The forbidden transition effects are included in the new set of parameters self-consistently. Theoretical β~--decay half-lives of nuclei around N = 126 are compared with recent theoretical results and experimental data. It is found that the new theoretical results are in better agreement with experimental data. The unknown β~--decay half-lives of some nuclei in this region are predicted for studies on nuclear structure far from stability and the nucleosynthesis in stars.     

N vacancy,substitutional O,and AI defects in the bandgap of composition-tunable nonstoichiometric AIN powder

AlN powders are prepared by direct nitridation via Al liquid and vapor phases in mixed atmospheres of N2 and NH3 with different NH3/N2 ratios. The reaction analysis reveals that NH3 acts as catalyst for N2 dissociation and the transportations of N, O, and Al in the liquid phase are different from those in the vapor phase. Accordingly, the products are Al-rich and composition-tunable nonstoichiometric AlN in which N, O, and Al content values change with nitridation atmosphere and temperature, leading to the variation of the relevant defect concentration. Therefore, the AlN powders exhibit prominent absorption bands around 5.30, 3.40, and 1.50 eV, which are tentatively assigned to VN, ON donors, and AlN acceptor respectively. Furthermore, a new donor named [VN-ON] complex is predicted at 4.40 eV within the 5.90 eV bandgap. It is demonstrated that the optical spectra of nonstoichiometric AlN are preferable to the nominal stoichimometric one for the identification of the defects energy level.     

利用加速器质谱方法测量14N(16O,α)26Al反应截面

Al是核天体物理非常重要的一个核素,14N(16O,α)26Al的反应截面可能是天体26Al的一个来源.介绍了利用AMS方法测量14N(16O,α)26Al反应截面的过程,包括靶的照射、化学分离、26Al原子数的AMS方法测量及最后的核反应截面值.The~(26)Al is one of the important nuclide in the astrophysics. The reaction, namely~(14)N(~(16)O, α)~(26)Al, may be one of the origin of the source of~(26)Al in the cosmic. The procedures of the cross section measurement with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) method are discussed, In this paper, the irradiation experiment, chemical separation and~(26)Al measurement are described. The results of cross-section (around) sub-barrier energies are also represented.     

Re-evaluation of the ^23Mg（p,γ） ^24Al reaction rate

Based on a new screening Coulomb model, this paper discusses the effect of electron screening on proton capture reaction of 23Mg. The derived result shows that, in some considerable range of stellar temperatures, the effect of electron screening on resonant reaction is prominent; on the non-resonant reaction the effect is obvious only in the low stellar temperatures. The reaction rates of ^23Mg（p,γ） ^24Al would increase 15%-25% due to the fact that the electron screening are considered in typical temperature range of massive mass white dwarfs, and the results undoubtedly affect the nucleosynthesis of some heavier nuclei in massive mass white dwarfs.     

N vacancy,substitutional O,and Al defects in the bandgap of composition-tunable nonstoichiometric AlN powder

AlN powders are prepared by direct nitridation via Al liquid and vapor phases in mixed atmospheres of N2and NH3with different NH3/N2ratios. The reaction analysis reveals that NH3acts as catalyst for N2dissociation and the transportations of N, O, and Al in the liquid phase are different from those in the vapor phase. Accordingly, the products are Al-rich and composition-tunable nonstoichiometric AlN in which N, O, and Al content values change with nitridation atmosphere and temperature, leading to the variation of the relevant defect concentration. Therefore, the AlN powders exhibit prominent absorption bands around 5.30, 3.40, and 1.50 eV, which are tentatively assigned to VN, ONdonors, and AlNacceptor respectively. Furthermore, a new donor named [VN–ON] complex is predicted at 4.40 eV within the 5.90 eV bandgap. It is demonstrated that the optical spectra of nonstoichiometric AlN are preferable to the nominal stoichimometric one for the identification of the defects energy level.     

Direct measurement of the resonance strengths and branching ratios of low-energy(p, γ) reactions on Mg isotopes

Proton capture reactions on Mg isotopes are significant in the Mg-Al cycle in stellar H-burning.In particular,the resonance strengths and branching ratios of low-energy resonances in Mg(p,y)26 A1 reactions determine the production of ~(26)Al,which is one of the most important long-lived radioactive nuclei in nuclear astrophysics.In this article,we report our first experiment using the intense proton beam of approximately 2 mA provided by the JUNA accelerator ground laboratory and a new technique that can minimize the composition change of targets under intense beam irradiation.The resonance strengths and branching ratios of E=214,304,and 326 keV resonances in the reactions of ~(24)Mg(p,γ)~(26)Al,~(25)Mg(p,γ)~(26)Al,and ~(26)Mg(p,γ)~(27)Al,respectively,were measured with high accuracy.The success of this experiment provides a good calibration for the nuclear astrophysical experiment at the Jinping underground laboratory.     

26Al in the interstellar medium

Several different lines of physical reasoning have converged on the importance of the radioactive nucleus ²⁶Al. The sciences of meteoritics, nucleosynthesis, gamma-ray astronomy, galactic chemical evolution, solar system formation, and interstellar chemistry all place this nucleus in a central position with possible profound implications. Perhaps more importantly the study of this radioactivity can unite these diverse fields in a complicated framework which will benefit all of them. This review traces the evolution of ideas concerning ²⁶Al in the context of these disciplines.²⁶Al was first discussed for the possibility that its decay energy could melt meteorite parent bodies, and its daughter, ²⁶Mg, was later found in meteorites with enhanced abundance. It was also among the first radioactivities expected to be synthesized in interestingly large quantities in nucleosynthetic events. The first definitive detection of gamma-rays from an interstellar radioactivity is that of 1.809 MeV gamma-rays from ²⁶Al. This discovery has many implications, some of which are outlined here. The whole problem of isotopic anomalies in meteorites is greatly influenced by the specific issues surrounding excess ²⁶Mg, whether it represents in situ decay of ²⁶Al or memory of conditions of the ISM. The relationships among these ideas and their implications are examined.     

Reinvestigation of proton threshold states in26Al

The²⁷Al(³He,α)²⁶Al reaction has been used to determine 1-transfers for states in²⁶Al between 6.3- and 6.5- MeV excitation. Angular distributions of α-particles between 5° and 15°, when added to our previously published results confirm a strong 1=0 component for a state at 6363 keV but indicate pure 1=2 for states at 6410 and 6498 keV. We discuss implications for nucleosynthesis.     

Segmented linear radiofrequency quadrupole/laser ion source project at TRIUMF

Reactions such as ²⁵Al(p,γ)²⁶Si are the key to understand the production of ^26g Al and ^26m Al in our galaxy. Experimental results could provide important constraints on nova nucleosynthesis and modelling where ²⁶Al is believed to be produced. To achieve such measurements, high-intensity and high-purity radioactive beams are required. However, production targets at ISOL-type facilities such as ISAC at TRIUMF produce high-intensity alkali beams by surface ionization on hot transfer tubes hampering the measurement of isotopes of interest. To overcome this issue, an ion source combining a segmented linear radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) to a laser ion source is being built. Its main function is to suppress alkali impurities whilst allowing for fast-release of short-lived isotopes. The beam production method, the RFQ/laser ion source and the removal of alkali contaminants are discussed in this paper.     

Cosmic deuterium

The knowledge of the primordial deuterium to hydrogen ratio provides one of the most reliable tests of the early Universe nucleosynthesis models and a direct estimate of the cosmic baryon density. Evaluations have been traditionally made using D/H estimations in the interstellar medium, extrapolated backwards in time with the use of galactic evolution models. Direct primordial D/H measurements have been carried out only recently in the direction of quasars. These measurements of deuterium abundances along with observations made in the solar system and in the interstellar medium are presented.New results that indicate spatial variations of the deuterium abundance in the interstellar medium at the level of 50% over scales possibly as small as 10 pc, may question our global vision of deuterium evolution until the causes for the origin of these variations are understood. With a conservative point of view, observations thus suggest that the primordial D/H value should be within the range 1. × 10⁻⁵−3. × 10⁻⁴, leading to a relatively low baryon content Universe.Since the actual evolution of deuterium from primordial nucleosynthesis to now is not known in details, more observations, hopefully to be made with the Hubble Space Telescope, FUSE the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (launched in 1999). or from the ground with the largest telescopes (Keck, VLT,), should reveal the evolution of that key element, and better constrain its primordial abundance.     

3M⊙ AGB星中26Al核合成的网络计算和反应率灵敏度分析

研究了3$M_{\odot}$AGB星中26Al核合成的网络计算和核反应率的灵敏度分析。结合最新的核反应率数据,建立了一个从碳到硅完整的核反应网络,计算了26Al的丰度。结果表明,26Al首先在AGB星中有效合成,随着核反应的进行,然后被一系列的核反应消耗。MgAl循环出现在26Al的网络中。我们将核反应网络中的主要核反应分为三类:(n, ${\rm{\gamma }}$),(p,${\rm{\gamma }}$)和($\alpha$, ${\rm{\gamma }}$),并对核反应率的灵敏度进行了详细的分析。已经确定了每一类中最有影响的核反应,它们是25Mg(n, ${\rm{\gamma }}$)26Mg,25Mg(p, ${\rm{\gamma }}$)26Al,26Mg(p, ${\rm{\gamma }}$)27Al,21Ne(p, ${\rm{\gamma }}$)22Na,18O($\alpha$, ${\rm{\gamma }}$)22Ne和22Ne($\alpha$,${\rm{\gamma }}$)26Mg。在目前网络所涉及的所有核反应中,25Mg(p, ${\rm{\gamma }}$)26Al是对26Al的产量有最大的影响,它值得核实验物理学家的关注。     

25Mg(p, γ)26Al实验研究进展

长寿命放射性核素26Al是星际介质、$\gamma$射线天文学和太阳系形成研究中最重要的核素之一。最可能合成26Al的三种天体场所都与25Mg(${\rm p},\,{\rm{\gamma }}$)26Al反应相关,因此精确测量其近阈能级的共振强度和天体物理反应率对人们认识宇宙26Al的来源具有重要意义。本文回顾了25Mg(${\rm p},\,{\rm{\gamma }}$)26Al反应的实验研究方法和最新研究进展,特别是介绍了我国对该反应的间接测量实验以及直接实验测量计划。当前的间接测量结果提升了25Mg(${\rm p},\,{\rm{\gamma }}$)26Al天体物理反应率的精度,也可以帮助我们估算直接测量的产额,并优化深地直接测量的实验设计。高能点的直接测量结果与国际上其它实验结果在误差范围内符合很好,表明本项目研制的探测装置工作状态良好,能够胜任锦屏深地核天体物理实验研究。     

Spallation processes and nuclear interaction products of cosmic rays

Most cosmic-ray nuclei heavier than helium have suffered nuclear collisions in the interstellar gas, with transformation of nuclear composition. The isotopic and elemental composition at the sources has to be inferred from the observed composition near the Earth. The source composition permits tests of current ideas on sites of origin, nucleosynthesis in stars, evolution of stars, the mixing and composition of the interstellar medium and injection processes prior to acceleration. The effects of nuclear spallation, production of radioactive nuclides and the time dependence of their decay provide valuable information on the acceleration and propagation of cosmic rays, their nuclear transformations, and their confinement time in the Galaxy. The formation of spallation products that only decay by electron capture and are relatively long-lived permits an investigation of the nature and density fluctuations (like clouds) of the interstellar medium. Since nuclear collisions yield positrons, antiprotons, gamma rays and neutrinos, we shall discuss these topics briefly.     

Search for low-energy resonances in25Mg(p,γ)26Al

The reaction²⁵Mg(p,γ)²⁶Al has been investigated atE _p (lab)=80-350keV. The existence of the resonance atE _p =317keV has been verified and new resonances have been found atE _p =198, 255 and 304 keV. TheE _p = 304keV resonance represents a new compound state in²⁶A1. Information on branching ratios,Ωγ values, total widths andJ ^π assignments for the observed resonances as well as upper limits on themy strengths for the expected resonances atE _p =97 and 134 keV are given. The astrophysical aspects of the data are discussed in the light of the renewed interest in the precise location of²⁶A1 nucleosynthesis.     

Search for low-energy resonances in 27Al(p, α)24Mg

The known low-energy resonances in ²⁷Al(p, γ)²⁸Si at e_R = 203, 223, 293 and 327 keV have been searched for in the ²⁷Al(p, α)²⁴Mg reaction. The observed upper limits for the resonance strength together with the results from previous work show that the MgAl cycle is not closed at all stellar temperatures of interest and that in the important temperature range near T₉ = 0.1 the (p, γ) reaction proceeds at least 100 times faster than the (p, α) reaction. The results might be of importance for the explanation of extinct ²⁶Al in meteoritic samples as well as of the 4 solar masses of ²⁶Al found in the interstellar medium via γ-astronomy.