Abstract
The gamma -ray strength function (gamma SF) and nuclear level density (NLD) have been extracted for the first time from inverse kinematic reactions with the Oslo method. This novel technique allows measurements of these properties across a wide range of previously inaccessible nuclei. Proton–gamma coincidence events from the mathrm {d}(^{86}mathrm {Kr}, mathrm {p}gamma )^{87}mathrm {Kr} reaction were measured at iThemba LABS and the gamma SF and NLD in ^{87}mathrm {Kr} was obtained. The low-energy region of the gamma SF is compared to shell-model calculations, which suggest this region to be dominated by M1 strength. The gamma SF and NLD are used as input parameters to Hauser–Feshbach calculations to constrain (mathrm {n},gamma ) cross sections of nuclei using the TALYS reaction code. These results are compared to ^{86}mathrm {Kr}(n,gamma ) data from direct measurements.
Highlights
Absorb photons in the quasi-continuum is determined by the γ -ray strength function (γ SF) [2]
Using γ SFs and nuclear level density (NLD) to determine capture cross sections has several advantages since these properties can be obtained for any nucleus that can be populated in a reaction from which the excitation energy can be experimentally determined
In this Letter we report on the first application to measure the NLD and γ SF with the Oslo method following an inverse kinematic reaction
Summary
With their significant applicability to astrophysical element formation via capture processes [3,4,5,6], NLDs and γ SFs have received increased experimental and theoretical attention [7]. Challenges remain and nuclear physics properties, such as the NLD and γ SF, remain a main source of uncertainty in cross-section calculations. This is either due to the complete lack of experimental data or the associated large experimental uncertainties.
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