Understanding the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements continues to be a key component of nuclear science.  Numerous stellar processes contribute to the nucleosynthesis of elements heavier than iron including the rapid (r), slow (s), and intermediate (i) neutron capture processes.  The stellar conditions vary for each process as does the range of nuclei produced.  Accurate prediction of final abundances requires many pieces of nuclear data including neutron-capture cross sections.  Direct neutron capture cross section measurements are not feasible since both the neutron and rare isotopes in questions are unstable and cannot be made into targets.  Therefore, indirect techniques are necessary to constrain the neutron capture cross section on short-lived nuclei. One such indirect technique is the β-Oslo method in which the nuclear level density (NLD) and γ-strength function (γSF) are extracted following the β-decay of a neutron-rich parent and are used in a statistical reaction model to constrain the neutron capture cross section. The β-Oslo technique has been applied to extract the neutron capture cross sections of many neutron-rich nuclei from A ~50-100.  In addition, the same technique and, in some cases, the same nuclei are important for stockpile stewardship applications.  In this work, a description of the β-Oslo method and its application to select nuclei will be presented as well as the prospect for future measurements.

Indirect constraints on neutron capture cross sections for nucleosynthesis and stewardship science

ACS Fall 2021

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