Determining reaction cross sections via characteristic X-ray detection: {\alpha}-induced reactions on 169Tm for the astrophysical {\gamma} -process

TL;DR

This study introduces a novel method for measuring reaction cross sections using characteristic X-ray detection, applied to alpha-induced reactions on 169Tm relevant to astrophysical gamma-process nucleosynthesis.

Contribution

First measurement of 169Tm({}, {})173Lu and 169Tm({},n)172Lu cross sections using characteristic X-ray detection, extending data near astrophysical energies.

Findings

Cross sections measured close to the Gamow window.

Experimental results compared with theoretical models.

Method enables measurements despite long half-lives.

Abstract

The cross sections of the 169Tm({\alpha}, {\gamma})173Lu and 169Tm({\alpha},n)172Lu reactions have been measured first time using a new method, by detecting the characteristic X-ray radiation following the electron capturedecay of 172,173Lu. Despite the relatively long half-life of the reaction products (T1/2 = 500 and 6.7 days, respectively) it was possible to measure the cross section of the 169Tm({\alpha},{\gamma})173Lu reaction close to the Gamow window (T9 = 3.5 GK), between Ec.m. = 13.16 and 17.08 MeV. The 169Tm({\alpha},n)172Lu reaction cross section was measured from Ec.m. = 11.21 MeV up to Ec.m. = 17.08 MeV. The experimental results have been compared to theoretical predictions