arXiv subjects

E. T. Li

Publications and source records attributed to E. T. Li.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Measurement of the $^{159}$Tb(n, $γ$) cross section at the CSNS Back-n facility

The stellar (n, $γ$) cross section data for the mass numbers around A $\approx$ 160 are of key importance to nucleosynthesis in the main component of the slow neutron capture process, which occur in the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP--AGB). The new measurement of (n, $γ$) cross sections for $^{159}$Tb was performed using the C$_6$D$_6$ detector system at the back streaming white neutron beam line (Back-n) of the China spallation neutron source (CSNS) with neutron energies ranging from 1 eV to 1 MeV. Experimental resonance capture kernels were reported up to 1.2 keV neutron energy with this capture measurement. Maxwellian-averaged cross sections (MACS) were derived from the measured $^{159}$Tb (n, $γ$) cross sections at $kT$ = 5 $\sim$ 100 keV and are in good agreement with the recommended data of KADoNiS-v0.3 and JEFF-3.3, while KADoNiS-v1.0 and ENDF-VIII.0 significantly overestimate the present MACS up to 40$\%$ and 20$\%$, respectively. A sensitive test of the s-process nucleosynthesis was also performed with the stellar evolution code MESA. Significant changes in abundances around A $\approx$ 160 were observed between the ENDF/B-VIII.0 and present measured rate of $^{159}$Tb(n, $γ$)$^{160}$Tb in the MESA simulation.

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arXiv2022

Deep underground laboratory measurement of $^{13}$C($α$,$n$)$^{16}$O in the Gamow windows of the $s$- and $i$-processes

The $^{13}$C($α$,$n$)$^{16}$O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture (s-) process in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars and for the intermediate (i-) process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of $E_{\rm c.m.}=$0.24 MeV to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire i-process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60\% down to 15\%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing data sets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the s- and i-processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

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arXiv2019

Aluminium-26 from massive binary stars I: non-rotating models

Aluminium-26 is a short-lived radionuclide with a half-life of 0.72Myr, which is observed today in the Galaxy via gamma-ray spectroscopy and is inferred to have been present in the early Solar System via analysis of meteorites. Massive stars are considered the main contributors of Al26. Although most massive stars are found in binary systems, the effect, however, of binary interactions on the Al26 yields have not been investigated since Braun & Langer (1995). Here we aim to fill this gap. We have used the MESA stellar evolution code to compute massive (10Msun<=M<=80Msun), non-rotating, single and binary stars of solar metallicity (Z=0.014). We computed the wind yields for the single stars and for the binary systems where mass transfer plays a major role. Depending on the initial mass of the primary star and orbital period, the Al26 yield can either increase or decrease in a binary system. For binary systems with primary masses up to ~35-40Msun, the yield can increase significantly, especially at the lower mass-end, while above ~45Msun the yield becomes similar to the single star yield or even decreases. Our preliminary results show that compared to supernova explosions, the contribution of mass-loss in binary systems to the total Al26 abundance produced by a stellar population is minor. On the other hand, if massive star mass-loss is the origin of Al26 in the early Solar System, our results will have significant implications for the identification of the potential stellar, or stellar population, source.

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arXiv2018

Astrophysical $S_{E2}$ factor of the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(α,γ){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction through the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}({}^{11}\mathrm{B},{}^{7}\mathrm{Li}){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ transfer reaction

The ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(α,γ){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction plays a key role in the evolution of stars with masses of $M >$ 0.55 $M_\odot$. The cross-section of the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(α,γ){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction within the Gamow window ($E_\textrm{c.m.}$ = 300 keV, $T_\textrm9$ = 0.2) is extremely small (about $10^{-17}$ barn), which makes the direct measurement in a ground-based laboratory with existing techniques unfeasible. Up until now, the cross-sections at lower energies can only be extrapolated from the data at higher energies. However, two subthreshold resonances, located at $E_x$ = 7.117 MeV and $E_x$ = 6.917 MeV, make this extrapolation more complicated. In this work, the 6.917 MeV subthreshold resonance in the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(α,γ){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction was investigated via the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}({}^{11}\mathrm{B},{}^{7}\mathrm{Li}){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction. The experiment was performed using the Q3D magnetic spectrograph at the HI-13 tandem accelerator. We measured the angular distribution of the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}({}^{11}\mathrm{B},{}^{7}\mathrm{Li}){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ transfer reaction leading to the 6.917 MeV state. Based on the FRDWBA analysis, we derived the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) of the 6.917 MeV level in $^{16}$O to be (1.10 $\pm$ 0.29) $\times 10^{10}$ fm$^{-1}$, with which the reduced $α$ width was computed to be $18.0\pm4.7$ keV at the channel radius of 6.5 fm. Finally, we calculated the astrophysical $S_{E2}(300)$ factor of the ground-state transitions to be 46.2 $\pm$ 7.7 keV b. The result for the astrophysical $S_{E2}(300)$ factor confirms the values obtained in various direct and indirect measurements and presents an independent examination of the most important data in nuclear astrophysics.

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arXiv2014

Proton widths of the low-lying 16F states from the 15N(7Li, 6Li)16N reaction

All the 16F levels are unbound by proton emission. To date the four low-lying 16F levels below 1 MeV have been experimentally identified with well established spin-parity values and excitation energies with an accuracy of 4 - 6 keV. However, there are still considerable discrepancies for their level widths. The present work aims to explore these level widths through an independent method. The angular distributions of the 15N(7Li, 6Li)16N reaction leading to the first four states in 16N were measured using a high-precision Q3D magnetic spectrograph. The neutron spectroscopic factors and the asymptotic normalization coefficients for these states in 16N were then derived based on distorted wave Born approximation analysis. The proton widths of the four low-lying resonant states in 16F were obtained according to charge symmetry of strong interaction.

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arXiv2013

Spectroscopic factors for low-lying 16N levels and the astrophysical 15N(n,gamma)16N reaction rate

Fluorine is a key element for nucleosynthetic studies since it is extremely sensitive to the physical conditions within stars. The astrophysical site to produce fluorine is suggested to be asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. In these stars the 15N(n, g)16N reaction could affect the abundance of fluorine by competing with 15N(a, g)19F. The 15N(n, g)16N reaction rate depends directly on the neutron spectroscopic factors of the low-lying states in 16N. The angular distributions of the 15N(7Li, 6Li)16N reaction populating the ground state and the first three excited states in 16N are measured using a Q3D magnetic spectrograph and are used to derive the spectroscopic factors of these states based on distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) analysis. The spectroscopic factors of these four states are extracted to be 0.96+-0.09, 0.69+-0.09, 0.84+-0.08 and 0.65+-0.08, respectively. Based on the new spectroscopic factors we derive the 15N(n,g)16N reaction rate. The accuracy and precision of the spectroscopic factors are enhanced due to the first application of high-precision magnetic spectrograph for resolving the closely-spaced 16N levels which can not be achieved in most recent measurement. The present result demonstrates that two levels corresponding to neutron transfers to the 2s1/2 orbit in 16N are not so good single-particle levels although 15N is a closed neutron-shell nucleus. This finding is contrary to the shell model expectation. The present work also provides an independent examination to shed some light on the existing discrepancies in the spectroscopic factors and the 15N(n, g)16N rate.

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arXiv2013

Constraining nova observables: direct measurements of resonance strengths in 33S(p,γ)34Cl

The 33S(p,γ)34Cl reaction is important for constraining predictions of certain isotopic abundances in oxygen-neon novae. Models currently predict as much as 150 times the solar abundance of 33S in oxygen-neon nova ejecta. This overproduction factor may, however, vary by orders of magnitude due to uncertainties in the 33S(p,γ)34Cl reaction rate at nova peak temperatures. Depending on this rate, 33S could potentially be used as a diagnostic tool for classifying certain types of presolar grains. Better knowledge of the 33S(p,γ)34Cl rate would also aid in interpreting nova observations over the S-Ca mass region and contribute to the firm establishment of the maximum endpoint of nova nucleosynthesis. Additionally, the total S elemental abundance which is affected by this reaction has been proposed as a thermometer to study the peak temperatures of novae. Previously, the 33S(p,γ)34Cl reaction rate had only been studied directly down to resonance energies of 432 keV. However, for nova peak temperatures of 0.2-0.4 GK there are 7 known states in 34Cl both below the 432 keV resonance and within the Gamow window that could play a dominant role. Direct measurements of the resonance strengths of these states were performed using the DRAGON recoil separator at TRIUMF. Additionally two new states within this energy region are reported. Several hydrodynamic simulations have been performed, using all available experimental information for the 33S(p,γ)34Cl rate, to explore the impact of the remaining uncertainty in this rate on nucleosynthesis in nova explosions. These calculations give a range of ~ 20-150 for the expected 33S overproduction factor, and a range of ~ 100-450 for the 32S/33S ratio expected in ONe novae.

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arXiv2012

New determination of the 13C(a, n)16O reaction rate and its influence on the s-process nucleosynthesis in AGB stars

We present a new measurement of the $α$-spectroscopic factor ($S_α$) and the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) for the 6.356 MeV 1/2$^+$ subthreshold state of $^{17}$O through the $^{13}$C($^{11}$B, $^{7}$Li)$^{17}$O transfer reaction and we determine the $α$-width of this state. This is believed to have a strong effect on the rate of the $^{13}$C($α$, $n$)$^{16}$O reaction, the main neutron source for {\it slow} neutron captures (the $s$-process) in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. Based on the new width we derive the astrophysical S-factor and the stellar rate of the $^{13}$C($α$, $n$)$^{16}$O reaction. At a temperature of 100 MK our rate is roughly two times larger than that by \citet{cau88} and two times smaller than that recommended by the NACRE compilation. We use the new rate and different rates available in the literature as input in simulations of AGB stars to study their influence on the abundances of selected $s$-process elements and isotopic ratios. There are no changes in the final results using the different rates for the $^{13}$C($α$, $n$)$^{16}$O reaction when the $^{13}$C burns completely in radiative conditions. When the $^{13}$C burns in convective conditions, as in stars of initial mass lower than $\sim$2 $M_\sun$ and in post-AGB stars, some changes are to be expected, e.g., of up to 25% for Pb in our models. These variations will have to be carefully analyzed when more accurate stellar mixing models and more precise observational constraints are available.

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arXiv2010

Investigation of excited states in $^{18}$Ne via resonant elastic scattering of $^{17}$F+p and its astrophysical implication in the stellar reaction of $^{14}$O($α$,$p$)$^{17}$F

Properties of proton resonances in $^{18}$Ne have been investigated efficiently by utilizing a technique of proton resonant elastic scattering with a $^{17}$F radioactive ion (RI) beam and a thick proton target. A 4.22~MeV/nucleon $^{17}$F RI beam was produced via a projectile-fragmentation reaction, and subsequently separated by a Radioactive Ion Beam Line in Lanzhou ({\tt RIBLL}). Energy spectra of the recoiled protons were measured by two sets of $Δ$E-E silicon telescope at center-of-mass scattering angles of $θ_{c.m.}$$\approx$175${^\circ}$$\pm$5${^\circ}$, $θ_{c.m.}$$\approx$152${^\circ}$$\pm$8${^\circ}$, respectively. Several proton resonances in $^{18}$Ne were observed, and their resonant parameters have been determined by an $R$-matrix analysis of the differential cross sections in combination with the previous results. The resonant parameters are related to the reaction-rate calculation of the stellar $^{14}$O($α$,$p$)$^{17}$F reaction, which was thought to be the breakout reaction from the hot CNO cycles into the $rp$-process in x-ray bursters. Here, $J^π$=(3$^-$, 2$^-$) are tentatively assigned to the 6.15-MeV state which was thought the key 1$^-$ state previously. In addition, a doublet structure at 7.05 MeV are tentatively identified, and its contribution to the resonant reaction rate of $^{14}$O($α$,$p$)$^{17}$F could be enhanced by at least factors of about 4$\sim$6 in comparison with the previous estimation involving only a singlet. The present calculated resonant rates are much larger than those previous values, and it may imply that this breakout reaction could play a crucial role under x-ray bursters conditions.

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arXiv2009

Asymptotic normalization coefficient from the 12C(7Li,6He)13N reaction and the astrophysical 12C(p,g)13N reaction rate

Angular distribution of the 12C(7Li,6He)13N reaction at E(7Li) = 44.0 MeV was measured at the HI-13 tandem accelerator of Beijing, China. Asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) of 13N = 12C + p was derived to be 1.64 $\pm$ 0.11 fm$^{-1/2}$ through distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA) analysis. The ANC was then used to deduce the astrophysical $S(E)$ factors and reaction rates for direct capture in 12C(p,g)13N at energies of astrophysical relevance.

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arXiv2009

Proton Spectroscopic Factor in 7Li from 2H(6He,7Li)n

The angular distribution of the 2H(6He,7Li)n reaction was measured with a secondary 6He beam of 36.4 MeV for the first time. The proton spectroscopic factor of 7Li ground state was extracted to be 0.41 +- 0.05 by the normalization of the calculational differential cross sections with the distorted-wave Born approximation to the experimental data. It was found that the uncertainty of extracted spectroscopic factors from the one-nucleon transfer reactions induced by deuteron may be reduced by constraining the volume integrals of imaginary optical potentials.

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