Removing uncertainties from X-ray Busrt Models

Abstract

Two of the astrophysically important reactions for X-ray burst models are 24Mg(α, γ)28Si and 59Cu(p, γ)60Zn. However, since these models are sensitive to nuclear reaction rates, it is important to constrain them to reduce possible model uncertainties. Constraining these reaction rates will help to improve the precision of model calculations and our understanding of the behavior of matter in astrophysical environments. We performed 27Al(d, n)28Si neutron evaporation spectrum measurements to constrain the nuclear level density of 28Si and benchmark this method against known levels from the level scheme. We also briefly discuss ongoing work to upgrade our lab with the charged-particle-neutron spectrometer which will enable the simultaneous measurements of neutrons and charged particles.