New Thermonuclear Reaction Rate Equations for Radiative Neutron Capture

Abstract

The radiative neutron capture reaction rates have been studied at very low energies which are of interest for nuclear astrophysics. The rates for many of these reactions have remained independent of temperature so far. The temperature dependence of the thermonuclear reaction rates have been explored within the statistical model. Apart from the compound nuclear contribution, the pre-equilibrium as well as the direct effects have been taken into account. The corresponding Maxwellian-averaged thermonuclear reaction rates of relevance in astrophysical plasmas at temperatures in the range from 10$^6$ K to 10$^{10}$ K have been calculated. Analytical expression as a function of $T_9$ has been provided for $^6$Li(n,$\gamma$)$^7$Li by fitting the calculated reaction rate.