Underground nuclear astrophysics: why and how

Abstract

The goal of nuclear astrophysics is to measure cross sections of nuclear physics reactions of interest in astrophysics. At stars temperatures, these cross sections are very low due to the suppression of the Coulomb barrier. Cosmic ray induced background can seriously limit the determination of reaction cross sections at energies relevant to astrophysical processes and experimental setups should be arranged in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Placing experiments in underground sites, however, reduces this background opening the way towards ultra low cross section determination. LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) was pioneer in this sense. Two accelerators were mounted at the INFN National Laboratories of Gran Sasso (LNGS) allowing to study nuclear reactions close to stellar energies. A summary of the relevant technology used, including accelerators, target production and characterisation, and background treatment is given.

arXiv comment10 pages, 8 figures, technical review paper on the LUNA experiment, accepted to EPJA

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Cited by in corpus (9)

• The activation method for cross section measurements in nuclear astrophysics
• The importance of the 13C(alpha,n)16O reaction in Asymptotic Giant Branch stars
• Background in $\gamma$-ray detectors and carbon beam tests in the Felsenkeller shallow-underground accelerator laboratory
• Shell and explosive hydrogen burning
• Underground Measurements of Nuclear Reaction Cross-Sections Relevant to AGB Stars
• Lithium fluoride (LiF) target preparation for nuclear physics experiment
• Status and future directions for direct cross-section measurements of the 13C(a,n)16O reaction for astrophysics
• Study of the ${}^{20}$Ne($p,\gamma$)${}^{21}$Na reaction at LUNA
• Barometric pumping effect for radon-due neutron flux in underground laboratories