arXiv subjects

K. -L. Kratz

Publications and source records attributed to K. -L. Kratz.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv1998

Dependence of direct neutron capture on nuclear-structure models

The prediction of cross sections for nuclei far off stability is crucial in the field of nuclear astrophysics. We calculate direct neutron capture on the even-even isotopes $^{124-145}$Sn and $^{208-238}$Pb with energy levels, masses, and nuclear density distributions taken from different nuclear-structure models. The utilized structure models are a Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov model, a relativistic mean field theory, and a macroscopic-microscopic model based on the finite-range droplet model and a folded-Yukawa single-particle potential. Due to the differences in the resulting neutron separation and level energies, the investigated models yield capture cross sections sometimes differing by orders of magnitude. This may also lead to differences in the predicted astrophysical r-process paths. Astrophysical implications are discussed.

nucl-th↗

arXiv1997

Nuclear Level Density and the Determination of Thermonuclear Rates for Astrophysics

The prediction of cross sections for nuclei far off stability is crucial in the field of nuclear astrophysics. We discuss the model mostly employed for such calculations: the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach). Special emphasis is put on the uncertainties arising from nuclear level density descriptions and an improved global description is presented. Furthermore, criteria for the applicability of the statistical model are investigated and a "map" for the applicability of the model to reactions of stable and unstable nuclei with neutral and charged particles is given.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1996

Uncertainties In Direct Neutron Capture Calculations Due To Nuclear Structure Models

The prediction of cross sections for nuclei far off stability is crucial in the field of nuclear astrophysics. For spherical nuclei close to the dripline the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach) approach is not applicable and direct contributions may dominate the cross sections. For neutron-rich, even-even Sn targets, we compare the resulting neutron capture cross sections when consistently taking the input for the direct capture calculations from three different microscopic models. The results underline the sensitivity of cross sections calculated in the direct model to nuclear structure models which can lead to high uncertainties when lacking experimental information.

nucl-th↗

arXiv1996

Applicability Of The Hauser-Feshbach Approach For The Determination of Astrophysical Reaction Rates

Nuclear Astrophysics requires the knowledge of reaction rates over a wide range of nuclei and temperatures. In recent calculations the nuclear level density - as an important ingredient to the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach) - has shown the highest uncertainties. In a back-shifted Fermi-gas formalism utilizing an energy-dependent level density parameter and employing microscopic corrections from a recent FRDM mass formula, we obtain a highly improved fit to experimental level densities. The resulting level density is used for determining criteria for the applicability of the statistical model on neutron-induced reactions.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1996

The Nuclear Level Density and the Determination of Thermonuclear Rates for Astrophysics

The prediction of cross sections for nuclei far off stability is crucial in the field of nuclear astrophysics. In recent calculations the nuclear level density -- as an important ingredient to the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach) -- has shown the highest uncertainties. We present a global parametrization of nuclear level densities based on the back-shifted Fermi-Gas formalism. Employment of an energy-dependent level density parameter $a$ and microscopic corrections from a recent FRDM mass formula by Möller et al.\ leads to a highly improved fit of level densities at the neutron-separation energy in the mass range $20\le A \le 245$. The importance of using proper microscopic corrections from mass formulae is emphasized. The resulting level description is well suited for astrophysical applications. The level density can also provide clues to the applicability of the statistical model which is only correct for a high density of excited states. Using the above description one can derive a ``map'' for the applicability of the model for reactions of stable and unstable nuclei with neutral and charged particles.

astro-ph↗

arXiv1996

Nuclear Properties for Astrophysical Applications

We tabulate the ground-state odd-proton and odd-neutron spins and parities, proton and neutron pairing gaps, binding energy, one- and two-neutron separation energies, quantities related to beta-delayed one- and two-neutron emission probabilities, beta-decay energy release and half-life with respect to Gamow-Teller decay, one- and two-proton separation energies, and alpha-decay energy release and half-life for 8979 nuclei ranging from oxygen-16 to Z = 136, A = 339 and extending from the proton drip line to the neutron drip line. Single-particle level diagrams and other quantities are also presented in graphical form. The starting point of our present work is a study of nuclear ground-state masses and deformations based on the finite-range droplet model and folded-Yukawa single-particle potential published in a previous issue of Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables. The beta-delayed neutron-emission probabilities and Gamow-Teller beta-decay rates are obtained from a quasi-particle random-phase approximation with single-particle levels and wave functions at the calculated nuclear ground-state shapes as input quantities.

nucl-th↗

arXiv1995

Direct Neutron Capture for Magic-Shell Nuclei

In neutron capture for magic--shell nuclei the direct reaction mechanism can be important and may even dominate. As an example we investigated the reaction $^{48}$Ca(n,$γ)^{49}$Ca for projectile energies below 250\,keV in a direct capture model using the folding procedure for optical and bound state potentials. The obtained theoretical cross sections are in agreement with the experimental data showing the dominance of the direct reaction mechanism in this case. The above method was also used to calculate the cross section for $^{50}$Ca(n,$γ)^{51}$Ca.

nucl-th↗

arXiv1994

Direct Capture at Low Energies

The importance of direct capture for (n,$γ$)--reactions on intermediate-- and heavy--mass target nuclei occuring in the s-- and r--process is investigated. It is shown that the direct mechanism is non--negligible for magic and neutron rich target nuclei. For some double magic and neutron rich nuclei in the r--process direct capture is even the dominant reaction mechanism.

nucl-th↗