Advances and new ideas for neutron-capture astrophysics experiments at CERN n_TOF

Abstract

This article presents a few selected developments and future ideas related to the measurement of $(n,\gamma )$ data of astrophysical interest at CERN n_TOF. The MC-aided analysis methodology for the use of low-efficiency radiation detectors in time-of-flight neutron-capture measurements is discussed, with particular emphasis on the systematic accuracy. Several recent instrumental advances are also presented, such as the development of total-energy detectors with $\gamma$-ray imaging capability for background suppression, and the development of an array of small-volume organic scintillators aimed at exploiting the high instantaneous neutron-flux of EAR2. Finally, astrophysics prospects related to the intermediate $i$ neutron-capture process of nucleosynthesis are discussed in the context of the new NEAR activation area.

preprint submitted to the European Physical Journal A, 11 pages, 4 figures

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Cited by in corpus (3)

• A Segmented Total Energy Detector (sTED) optimized for $(n,\gamma )$ cross-section measurements at n_TOF EAR2
• Impact of Newly Measured Nuclear Reaction Rates on ${}^{26}$Al Ejected Yields from Massive Stars
• Nuclear astrophysics