Structure effects in the ${}^{15}$N($n,{\hat{I}}^3$)${}^{16}$N radiative capture reaction from the Coulomb dissociation of ${}^{16}$N

Abstract

Purpose : The aim of this paper is to calculate the ${}^{15}$N($n,{\hat{I}}^3$)${}^{16}$N radiative capture cross section and its subsequent reaction rate by an indirect method and in that process investigate the effects of spectroscopic factors of different levels of ${}^{16}$N to the cross section. Method : A fully quantum mechanical Coulomb breakup theory under the aegis of post-form distorted wave Born approximation is used to calculate the Coulomb breakup of ${}^{16}$N on Pb at 100 MeV/u. This is then related to the photodisintegration cross section of ${}^{16}$N(${\hat{I}}^3,n$)${}^{15}$N and subsequently invoking the principle of detailed balance, the ${}^{15}$N($n,{\hat{I}}^3$)${}^{16}$N capture cross section is calculated. Results : The non-resonant capture cross section is calculated with spectroscopic factors from the shell model and those extracted (including uncertainties) from two recent experiments. The data seems to favor a more single particle nature for the low-lying states of ${}^{16}$N. The total neutron capture rate is also calculated by summing up non-resonant and resonant (significant only at temperatures greater than 1 GK) contributions and comparison is made with other charged particle capture rates. In the typical temperature range of $0.1-1.2$ GK, almost all the contribution to the reaction rate comes from capture cross sections below 0.25 MeV. Conclusion : We have attempted to resolve the discrepancy in the spectroscopic factors of low-lying ${}^{16}$N levels and conclude that it would certainly be useful to perform a Coulomb dissociation experiment to find the low energy capture cross section for the reaction, especially below 0.25 MeV.

8 pages, 8 figures, To be published in Phy. Rev. C