Absolute cross section of p(7Be,γ)8B using a novel approach

Abstract

The absolute cross section σ (E) of the radiative capture reaction p(7Be,γ)8B at the center-of-mass energy E = 992 keV has been measured using a radioactive 7Be ion beam and a windowless gas target system filled with H2 gas. The 8B residual nuclides were detected with a recoil separator consisting of momentum and velocity filters and a ΔE-E detector telescope. The 8B yield was observed concurrently with the 7Be + p elastic scattering yield, relating σ(E) to the Rutherford scattering cross section. The resulting value, σ(E) = 0.41 ± 0.11 μb, leads to an S(E) factor at zero energy of S(0) = 16 ± 4 eV b, in fair agreement with recommended values.