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{sup 26}Al(n,p{sub 1}) and (n,{alpha}{sub 0}) cross sections from thermal energy to 70 keV and the nucleosynthesis of {sup 26}Al

Journal Article · · Physical Review, C
 [1];  [2];  [3]; ;  [4]
  1. Physics Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6354 (United States)
  2. W. K. Kellogg Radiation Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125 (United States)
  3. Princeton University, Department of Physics, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States)
  4. Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna (Russia)

We have measured the {sup 26}Al(n,{alpha}{sub 0}){sup 23}Mg and {sup 26}Al(n,p{sub 1}){sup 26}Mg{sup {asterisk}} cross sections from thermal energy to approximately 10 keV and 70 keV, respectively. These reactions are thought to be the major mechanisms for the destruction of {sup 26}Al in many nucleosynthesis environments; hence, an accurate determination of their rates is important for understanding the observations of {gamma} rays from {open_quotes}live{close_quotes} {sup 26}Al in our galaxy and of {open_quotes}extinct{close_quotes} {sup 26}Al in meteorites. The astrophysical rate for the {sup 26}Al(n,{alpha}{sub 0}){sup 23}Mg reaction determined from our measurements is in good agreement with the rate determined via inverse measurements. On the other hand, the rate we determined for the {sup 26}Al(n,p{sub 1}){sup 26}Mg{sup {asterisk}} reaction is significantly larger than previously reported. In addition, we were able to determine this rate in the temperature range below 0.2 GK which was not covered by previous measurements. This lower temperature range may be important for understanding the production of {sup 26}Al in Red Giant stars. Both of our rates are significantly different than the rates used in most nucleosynthesis calculations. We discuss the impact of our measurements on the nucleosynthesis of {sup 26}Al. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-96OR22464; W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
528192
Journal Information:
Physical Review, C, Journal Name: Physical Review, C Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 56; ISSN PRVCAN; ISSN 0556-2813
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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