Studying the heavy-ion fusion reactions at stellar energies using Time Projection Chamber

Abstract

Heavy-ion fusion reactions, such as 12C+12C, play crucial roles in stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis in massive stars. However, limited by the low cross section and large background, it is very challenging to study the reactions at stellar energies. We have developed a 1024-channel prototype TPC named MATE (Multi-purpose time projection chamber for nuclear AsTrophysical and Exotic beam experiments) to study these reactions at stellar energies. The design of our prototype TPC and its performance are described, and the preliminary results of a commissioning experiment for measuring the 12C(12C, α0)20Ne reaction at Ecm = 3.0 MeV are presented. Perspectives of future experiments for the 12C+12C fusion cross section measurement are also provided.