Cross-section measurement of the Kr82(p,γ)Rb83 reaction in inverse kinematics

Abstract

Although most nuclei heavier than Fe are likely produced by the slow and the rapid neutron-capture ($s$ and $r$}) processes, a number of medium-mass, proton-rich nuclei are thought to be produced via photo-disintegration ($\ensuremath{\gamma}$ process). To confirm this, one needs detailed statistical model calculations that are constrained by experimental input. In this work, the authors measured the ($\ensuremath{\gamma}$,$p$) reaction on the unstable ${}^{83}$Rb nucleus, via detailed balance, using the ${}^{82}$Kr($p$,$\ensuremath{\gamma}$)${}^{83}$Rb reaction with a ${}^{82}$Kr beam and detecting the produced $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays. The results put important constraints on the parameters of the statistical model calculations, allowing improved tests of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ process in hot stellar environments.