Abstract
Proton-and alpha-capture reactions on unstable proton-rich nuclei power astrophysical explosions like novae and X-ray bursts. Direct measurements of these reactions are crucial for understanding the mechanisms behind these explosions and the nucleosynthesis at such sites. The recoil mass separator, SECAR (SEparator for CApture Reactions) at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), has been designed with the required sensitivity to study (p,γ) and (α,γ) reactions, directly at astrophysical energies in inverse kinematics, with radioactive beams of masses up to about A = 65. The complete SECAR system, including two Wien Filters for high mass resolution, has been installed at Michigan State University and is currently being commissioned. The present article introduces the SECAR concept, its scientific goals, and provides an update of the current status of the project.
Highlights
Exploding stars are laboratories for extreme physics, involving a complex interplay of high temperature thermonuclear burning and hydrodynamics
The precise measurements of the reaction cross sections of radiative capture reactions of protons and alpha particles on unstable proton-rich nuclei can potentially address long standing questions associated with the energy generation and the nucleosynthesis occurring in these scenarios
SECAR (SEparator for CApture Reactions) will allow direct measurements of many of the relevant reactions with proton-rich radioactive beams obtained from ReA3 and FRIB in inverse kinematics ("i.e." a heavy, proton-rich radioactive ion beam bombards a hydrogen or helium target)
Summary
Exploding stars are laboratories for extreme physics, involving a complex interplay of high temperature thermonuclear burning and hydrodynamics. Nova explosions [1] and X-ray bursts [1] are two examples of such explosive astrophysical scenarios. They take place in the dense and hot atmosphere on the surfaces of accreting. The precise measurements of the reaction cross sections of radiative capture reactions of protons and alpha particles on unstable proton-rich nuclei can potentially address long standing questions associated with the energy generation and the nucleosynthesis occurring in these scenarios. SECAR will be used to improve our understanding of the evolution and element creation in these exotic astrophysical sites by enabling direct rate measurements for explosion studies
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