The 42Ca(α, γ)46Ti and 42Ca(α, p)45Sc cross sections and the mass-45 bottleneck

The yield of γ-rays from the reaction ⁴²Ca(α, γ)⁴⁶Ti has been measured as a function of bombarding energy over the range E_α = 3.42–5.62 MeV and from ⁴²Ca(α, pγ)⁴⁵Sc over the range E_α = 4.06–5.92 MeV, and the yield of protons from the reaction ⁴²Ca(α, p)⁴⁵Sc has been measured over the range E_α = 4.78–5.92 MeV. Cross sections for all three reactions have been extracted from the data and compared with global statistical-model calculations. The agreement is good. Thermonuclear reaction rates under stellar conditions appropriate for silicon burning are calculated and their significance for the approach to and bridging of the mass-45 bottleneck in the upward flow of nucleosynthesis is discussed.     

Lifetime measurements on the compound nucleus 236U by means of the shadow effect

The lifetime of the ²³⁶U nucleus is measured in the range of excitation energies E_x = 6.7–11.5 MeV by a method based on the shadow (blocking) effect. The results obtained, as well as those of an earlier measurement of the lifetime for the ²³⁹U nucleus in the range E_x = 6.4–9.1 MeV, are compared with the results of calculations based on the level density ρ(E_x) in the Fermi-gas model and on the empirical level density ρ(E)_x) calculated as a result of an analysis of(n, γ) and (n, n') cross sections. An increase of excitation energy produces a substantial reduction in the rate of decrease of the lifetime at E_x ? 7.5 MeV for both compound nuclei as compared to the theoretical dependence τ(e_x).     

The energy dependence of fusion in the 9Be+28Si system

The angular distributions of the energy spectra of the light charged particles (p, d and α) from the ⁹Be + ²⁸Si reaction have been measured in the energy range 12 ≦ E_lab ≦ 30 MeV. The particle evaporation spectra and the angular distributions were analyzed with a spin dependent statistical model. Angular distributions of ⁹Be ions elastically scattered on ²⁸Si have been measured at the energies 12 MeV, 17 MeV, 23 MeV and 30 MeV and were analysed, together with previously measured cross sections, with the optical model. The fusion cut-off angular momentum l_fus(E), the fusion cross section σ_fus(E) and the ratio σ_fus/σ_R^OM(E) were deduced. The excitation function for fusion was analyzed with the Glas and Mosel model. The parameters obtained from the fusion excitation function were compared with the corresponding ones from the ⁹Be + ²⁸Si optical-model interaction potential.     

The (γ,p) reaction on30Si,68Zn and130Te at intermediate energies

The yields of (γ, p) reactions on³⁰Si,⁶⁸Zn and¹³⁰Te have been measured as a function of the bremsstrahlung end-point energy,E _γ,max, in the energy range 75–800 MeV, using the activation method. Cross sections have been deduced and are compared to results obtained using a semi-empirical model.     

Alpha scattering from 92Zr and 94Zr

Scattering of 35.4 MeV α particles from ⁹²Zr and ⁹⁴Zr has been studied with an energy resolution of 25–30 keV. Angular distributions were measured from 10 to 45 degrees for an E_x range of up to 6.1 MeV and 4.4 MeV for ⁹²Zr and ⁹⁴Zr, respectively. Several new spin assignments have been made by comparing angular distributions with collective DWBA calculations. An implicit folding procedure was used to derive isoscalar transition rates, which for E_x > 2.5 MeV were previously unknown. Most of the levels are well described by a vibrational model form factor.     

Sub-coulomb energy 12C + 10, 11B and 14N + 10B fusion cross sections

Total fusion cross sections have been measured for the following reactions and energy intervals: ¹²C + ¹⁰B, E_c.m. = 2.10–5.38 MeV; ¹²C + ¹¹B, E_c.m. = 2.10–5.99 MeV; ¹⁴N + ¹⁰B, E_c.m. = 2.64–5.97 MeV. Absolute cross sections were extracted from the prompt γ-rays emitted by the various residual nuclei and measured by two large NaI detectors. No resonance structure was observed in the three reactions. The elastic scattering excitation function was also measured at θ_c.m. = 90.4° for ¹²C + ¹⁰B over the energy range E_c.m. = 3.18–6.82 MeV. Optical model potentials were found which could consistently describe both the fusion and elastic scattering data.     

Messung des totalen Wirkungsquerschnitts von27Al für schnelle Neutronen mit Si(Li)-Detektoren

The total fast neutron cross section of²⁷Al has been determined by transmission measurements using Si(Li)-solid state detectors for neutron spectroscopy. The energies of the bombarding neutrons have been in the range betweenE _n=5,24 andE _n=7,26 MeV. A comparision has been made between the total cross sections obtained in this experiment and values obtained via the time-of-flight technique. At most neutron energies the agreement was within experimental errors quoted for the works being compared.     

Excitation of the isoscalarE2 resonance in12C by proton inelastic scattering

Proton inelastic excitation spectra of¹²C have been measured imposing a coincidence with alpha decay to⁸Be_g.s. and⁸Be_2.9MeV. In plane angular correlations have been obtained for the main structures observed in the spectra. Comparison with DWBA correlation functions permits a 2⁺ assignment for all the groups in the 20–30MeV excitation range. The percentage of theE2-EWSR exhausted in the same range is in agreement, within the uncertainties indicated, with that derived from the inelastic scattering of other particles.     

New aspects of the rotational model in25Mg

Spin assignments have been made to the²⁵Mg levels in theE _x=5–6 MeV region fromγ-ray angular distributions measured in the²²Ne(α, n y) reaction atE _α=8.0 and 8.8 MeV and fromp-γ angular correlations measured in the²⁴Mg(d, p γ) reaction atE _d=6 MeV. Unique spin assignments ofJ=7/2, 5/2, 5/2, and 9/2 could be made to the levels atE _x=5005, 5511, 5851, and 5967 keV, respectively. Ambigious assignments have been made to the levels atE _x=5245, 5524, 5785, 6032 keV (J=11/2, 7/2), 5455 keVJ=13/2, 9/2), and 5738 keV (J=3/2, 5/2). The present data confirm previous assignments ofJ=1/2 to the levels atE _x=5108 and 5466 keV, respectively. Lifetime estimates have been obtained, using the Doppler-shift attenuation method, for the levels atE _x=5245 keV (τ=30–60 fs), 5785 keV (τ=50–100 fs), 5967 keV (τ=50–100 fs), and 5455 keV (τ>1ps). All other levels in theE _x=5–6 MeV region haveτ<60 fs. A breakdown of theK-selection rule has been observed in theγ-decay of some high spin states, indicating a deviation from the strong coupling model.     

Helium burning of 18O

The ¹⁸O(α, γ)²²Ne capture reaction has been studied at E_α = 0.6?2.3 MeV. The known resonance at E_α = 2.20 MeV has been established and fourteen new resonances have been found in the energy range covered. The E_α = 1.16, 1.32, 1.45, 1.53, 1.87, 1.96 and 2.15 MeV resonances correspond to resonances observed previously in the ¹⁸O(α, n)²¹Ne reaction. The E_α = 0.77, 1.25 and 1.27 MeV resonances represent new compound states in ²²Ne. Information on branching ratios, ωγ values and total widths is reported. Transition strength arguments and analyses of γ-ray angular distribution data together with results from previous work resulted in the most likely J^π assignments for the resonances.The E_α = 1.66 and 1.78 MeV resonances are good candidates for the two J^π = 8⁺ states predicted at E_x ≈ 11–12 MeV and are probably members of the K^π = 0⁺ (ground state) and K^π = 2⁺ rotational bands in ²²Ne.The investigated energy range of E_α together with that of previous work corresponds to stellar temperatures of T = (0.3?4.3) × 10⁹ K. The astrophysical reaction rate determined from these data is compared with predictions based in part on the nuclear optical model. The rate is also compared with that of the competing ¹⁸O(α, n)²¹Ne reaction.     

Structure of 13C from an R-matrix analysis of 12C + n scattering and reaction cross sections

Differential cross sections for ¹²C + n elastic and inelastic scattering and for the ²C(n, α) ⁹Be reaction, together with high resolution total cross-section data were analyzed by means of a multilevel multichannel R-matrix program to determineJ, π, and γ_λc for states in ¹³C up to E_x = 13.5MeV. Good overall fits to the data were obtained throughout this large energy range. Spin and parity assignments for thirteen states above E_x = 9.5MeV for which there had been either no previous J^π assignments or only tentative assignments have been made in this study. The present results are in good agreement with previous analyses and model calculations.     

Direct and compound nuclear contributions to the 13C(6Li,t) reaction at Elab = 25 MeV

The reaction ¹³C(⁶Li, t)¹⁶O has been studied in the incident energy range 24–26 MeV. Complete angular distributions have been measured at E_⁶Li, = 25 MeV in the angular range θ_lab = 8°–172°, with the reaction ⁶Li(¹³C, t)⁶O being used for the backward angle measurements. Cross sections for evaporation residues from the fusion of the ⁶Li + ¹³C system have been measured in the incident ⁶Li energy range 9.2–35.1 MeV. Compound nuclear contributions to the transfer cross sections have been calculated using the Hauser-Feshbach statistical theory with the assumption that the compound-nucleus formation cross section is equal to the measured fusion cross section. By comparison of the compound nuclear calculations with backward angle data it is found that the sharp cutoff approximation commonly used to represent the initial angular momentum distribution of the compound nucleus is not adequate for the ¹³C(⁶Li, t)¹⁶O reaction. Good fits to the backward angle data can be obtained by using a smooth cutoff approximation. The forward angle cross sections have been compared with exact finite-range distorted-wave Born approximation calculations to extract transferred angular momenta and spectroscopic strengths. The present results differ from those of an earlier study. These differences are due to the inclusion of forward angle data in the present study.     

Experimental photoneutron cross sections of natural zirconium from 8 MeV to 134 MeV

The inclusive partial photoneutron cross sections and the total photoneutron cross section \(\sigma ^{(1)} (E_\gamma ) = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^{i_{\max } } {\sigma (\gamma ,in...)} \) for natural Zr have been measured from 8 MeV to 134 MeV, with monochromatic photons obtained by in flight annihilation of monoenergetic positrons. The integrated total photoneutron cross section up tillE _γ=140 MeV is (1.59±0.11)σ ₀, whereσ ₀ is the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn sum-rule. The integrated total photonuclear absorption cross section is evaluated to be (1.73±0.15)σ ₀. The behaviour of the total photoneutron cross section as a function of Eγ, in the 40 MeV <E _γ<140 MeV energy range, is well described by a modified version of the quasideuteron model.     

Investigation of 38Ar levels by 37Cl+p reactions: (I). Yield curves,excitation energies and branching ratios

Yield measurements have been performed on the reactions ³⁷Cl(p, p₀)³⁷Cl, ³⁷Cl(p, α₀)³⁴S (E_p = 1.17–1.70 MeV) and ³⁷Cl(p, n₀)³⁷Ar, ³⁷Cl(p.γ)³⁸Ar (E_p = 0.64–2.92 MeV); detailed investigations are restricted to resonances below E_p = 1.79 MeV. Resonance energies, strengths and (some) widths are reported for 12, 26 and 247 resonances in the reactions (p, p₀), (p, n₀) and (p, γ), respectively.Simultaneous (p, α₀) and (p, γ) yield measurements over selected E_p intervals in the E_p = 0.88–1.64 MeV range established the existence of 42 resonances decaying by both γ and α₀ emission. Analysis of the γ-ray spectra of 100 ³⁷Cl(p, γ)³⁸Ar resonances leads to precision excitation energies (ΔE_x = 0.1–2 keV) of 57 bound states (E_x < 8 MeV) and branching ratios of the resonances and of 50 bound states.     

Radiation widths of resonances in the <Superscript>40</Superscript>Ar(pγ)<Superscript>41</Superscript>K reaction

The excitation function for the ⁴⁰Ar(pγ)⁴¹K reaction at the accelerated proton energy E _p= 450–2700 keV is studied. Positions of 168 resonances identified as levels of the ⁴¹K nucleus are observed in this energy range. The data for the proton energy E _p < 1 MeV and E _p > 2 MeV are obtained for the first time. Relative yields of γ rays observed in the decay of the resonances are calculated from a comparison with the yield of the calibrating resonance at E _p= 1102 keV. Total radiation widths of the resonances are calculated on the basis of the data obtained.     

High-spin states in 34CI

High-spin yrast states in ³⁴Cl have been studied with the reactions ³¹P(α, nγ)³⁴Cl at E_α = 11.7?16.3 MeV and ²⁴Mg(¹²C, pnγ)³⁴Cl at E(¹²C) = 32–35 MeV. Ambiguities in the ³⁴Cl level scheme for levels at E_x = 4.82 and 5.32 MeV have been resolved through combination of threshold measurements with the ³¹P + α reaction and gamma-gamma coincidence and E_γ-measurements with the ²⁴Mg + ¹²C reaction. Gamma-gamma coincidence and in-beam γ-γ angular correlation experiments have been performed employing a Compton-suppression spectrometer with a solid angle of 120 msr.Unambiguous spin-parity assignments of J^π = 6^?, 5⁺ and 7⁺ to the ³⁴Cl levels at E_x = 4.74, 4.82 and 5.32 MeV, respectively, are obtained.Previously unreported levels of high spin are found at E_x = 7.25 and 7.80 MeV with J^π = (9⁺) and (8⁺); τ_m = 200 ± 70 fs and 100 ± 70 fs, respectively. Excitation energies, mean lives, branching ratios and multipole mixing ratios are reported. The experimental results are compared with large-scale shell-model calculations. The high-spin yrast levels can be characterized by a rather simple shell-model structure.     

Non-statistical effects in the 12C(12C, α)20Ne reaction near Ec.m. = 15 MeV

The ¹²C(¹²C, α)²⁰Ne reaction is studied near E_c.m. = 15 MeV. Angular distributions for three energies and excitation functions at θ_{lab = 30°} over an energy range E_c.m. = 14.5?15.4 MeV for about 20 levels in ²⁰Ne (E_ex = 0–13 MeV) are examined. The statistical analysis yields the results that a correlated resonance is present at E_c.m. = 14.75 MeV. A nonstatistical contribution to the reaction is also apparent when energy-averaged cross sections are compared with the Hauser-Feshbach model predictions. Strong population of the 0⁺₃ band in ²⁰Ne is observed.     

Study of the structure of16O above 25 Mev by the reaction13C(τ, α)12C*(γ15.1)

The nucleus¹⁶O has been investigated within the excitation range of 25–32 MeV by means of the reaction¹³C(τ, α)¹²C^* _15.1(γ)¹²C. Excitation functions for the 15.1 MeVγ-rays, taken for bombarding energiesE _τ=2.6–12 MeV at 0? and 90?, exhibit some marked structures with widths of 0.5 to 1 MeV. As the (τ, α)-reaction leads to the 15.1 MeV,T=1 state, levels in¹⁶O underlying these structures should have largeT=1 components. Angular distributions of theα-particles coincident to the 15.1 MeVγ-rays show patterns typical for a direct process and are, therefore, compared with DWBA calculations.     

Reactions of 40Ar with 159Tb, 142Nd and 144Sm; New α-activities from 189Bi, 173Pt and 177Au

Reactions of ⁴⁰Ar ions with targets of ¹⁵⁹Tb, ¹⁴²Nd, and ¹⁴⁴Sm have been studied at energies below 300 MeV with a helium gas-jet system. Excitation functions for (Ar, xn) reactions, where x = 5–10, were obtained for the radioactive products that decay by α-emission. Based on the characteristics of these excitation functions and on the systematics of α-decay, evidence is presented for the existence of the nuclides ¹⁸⁹Bi with α-particle energy E_α = 6.67±0.01 MeV and half-life < 1.5 sec, and ¹⁷³Pt with E_α = 6.19±0.01 MeV; and for the emission from ¹⁷⁷Au of an α-particle with E_α = 6.15±0.01 MeV.