Experimental study to explore the $\rm ^8Be$ induced nuclear reaction via the Trojan Horse Method

Abstract

To explore a possible indirect method for $\rm ^8Be$ induced astrophysical reactions, the $\rm ^9Be=({}^8Be+\it n)$ cluster structure was studied via the Trojan Horse Method. It is the first time to study a super short life nucleus $\rm ^8Be$ via the Trojan Horse Method, and it is the first time to make a valid test for $l=1$ Trojan-horse nucleus. The $\rm ^9Be$ nucleus is assumed to have a ($\rm {}^8Be+\it n$) cluster structure and used as the Trojan-horse nucleus. The $\rm ^8Be$ nucleus acts as a participant, while the neutron is a spectator to the virtual $\rm ^8Be +{\it d}\rightarrow α+ {}^6Li$ reaction via a suitable 3-body reaction $\rm ^9Be +{\it d}\rightarrow α+ {}^6Li +\it n$. The experimental neutron momentum distribution inside $\rm ^9Be$ was reconstructed. The agreement between experimental and theoretical momentum distribution indicates that there should be a ($\rm {}^8Be+\it n$) cluster structure inside $\rm ^9Be$. Therefor the experimental study of $\rm ^8Be$ induced reactions, for example the experimental measurement of the $\rm ^8Be +α\rightarrow {}^{12}C$ reaction proceeding through the Hoyle state, is possible.