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T. Rauscher

Publications and source records attributed to T. Rauscher.

191 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

The ^{144}Sm-αoptical potential at astrophysically relevant energies derived from ^{144}Sm(α,α)^{144}Sm elastic scattering

For the determination of the $^{144}Sm-α$ optical potential we measured the angular distribution of $^{144}Sm(α,α)^{144}Sm$ scattering at the energy $E_{lab} = 20 MeV$ with high accuracy. Using the known systematics of $α$-nucleus optical potentials we are able to derive the $^{144}Sm-α$ optical potential at the astrophysically relevant energy $E_{c.m.} = 9.5 MeV$ with very limited uncertainties.

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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.

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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.

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Neutron-induced nucleosynthesis

Neutron--induced nucleosynthesis plays an important role in astrophysical scenarios like in primordial nucleosynthesis in the early universe, in the s--process occurring in Red Giants, and in the $α$--rich freeze--out and r--process taking place in supernovae of type II. A review of the three important aspects of neutron--induced nucleosynthesis is given: astrophysical background, experimental methods and theoretical models for determining reaction cross sections and reaction rates at thermonuclear energies. Three specific examples of neutron capture at thermal and thermonuclear energies are discussed in some detail.

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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.

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Astrophysical Reaction Rates for $^{10}$B(p,$α$)$^{7}$Be and $^{11}$B(p,$α$)$^{8}$Be From a Direct Model

The reactions $^{10}$B(p,$α$)$^{7}$Be and $^{11}$B(p,$α$)$^{8}$Be are studied at thermonuclear energies using DWBA calculations. For both reactions, transitions to the ground states and first excited states are investigated. In the case of $^{10}$B(p,$α$)$^{7}$Be, a resonance at $E_{Res}=10$ keV can be consistently described in the potential model, thereby allowing the extension of the astrophysical $S$-factor data to very low energies. Strong interference with a resonance at about $E_{Res}=550$ keV require a Breit-Wigner description of that resonance and the introduction of an interference term for the reaction $^{10}$B(p,$α_1$)$^{7}$Be$^*$. Two isospin $T=1$ resonances (at $E_{Res1}=149$ keV and $E_{Res2}=619$ keV) observed in the $^{11}$B+p reactions necessitate Breit-Wigner resonance and interference terms to fit the data of the $^{11}$B(p,$α$)$^{8}$Be reaction. $S$-factors and thermonuclear reaction rates are given for each reaction. The present calculation is the first consistent parametrization for the transition to the ground states and first excited states at low energies.

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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.

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Systematics of $α$--nucleus optical potentials

Double--folded optical $α$--nucleus potentials can be used to calculate elastic scattering cross sections in a wide mass-- and energy region. Because of the systematic behavior of the potential parameters we are able to obtain reliable optical potentials for astrophysically relevant reactions even without scattering data in low--energy region. As example we analyze the capture reaction ${^{144}{\rm Sm}}(α,γ){^{148}{\Gd}}$.

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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.

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Alpha Clustering and the stellar nucleosynthesis of carbon

The astrophysical S--factor and reaction rates for the triple--alpha process are calculated in the direct--capture model. It is shown that the stellar carbon production is extremely sensitive to small variations in the N--N interaction.

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