Exploring the uncertainties of (α, xn) reactions for the weak r-process

Abstract

“Light” heavy elements (Z = 38 − 47) can be synthesized in the neutrino–driven ejecta of core–collapse supernovae via the weak r–process. This nucleosynthesis scenario exhibits uncertainties from the absence of experimental data from (α, n) reactions on neutron–rich nuclei, and are mostly based on statistical model calculations. We present preliminary results from a recent sensitivity study, using the Atomki–V2 α-nucleus potential to identify the most important (α, n) reactions that can affect the production of “light” heavy elements between strontium and silver under different astrophysical conditions. We also discuss the planning of studies to experimentally determine (α, xn) reaction rates using the MUSIC detector at Argonne National Laboratory and the SECAR recoil separator at FRIB.