Branches of 33S(p,{\gamma})34Cl at Oxygen-Neon Nova Temperatures

TL;DR

This study measures the decay pathways of the 33S(p,γ)34Cl reaction at nova temperatures, providing crucial data to understand sulfur isotope ratios in nova ejecta and potential gamma-ray signals.

Contribution

It offers the first reliable measurements and uncertainties of the reaction branches for 33S(p,γ)34Cl at relevant nova temperatures, including new upper limits for unmeasured branches.

Findings

Measured reaction branches with uncertainties

Provided upper limits for previously unmeasured branches

Data relevant for nova isotope and gamma-ray observations

Abstract

Recent simulations of classical novae on oxygen-neon white-dwarf stars indicate that the isotopic ratio 32S/33S has the potential to be a remarkable indicator of presolar grains of nova origin. The 33S(p,\gamma)34Cl reaction influences this ratio directly by destroying 33S in novae. Additionally, \beta-delayed \gamma-rays from the metastable state of 34Cl (t_{1/2} = 32 min) have been suggested to be potential nova observables. We have measured the branches for known 33S(p,\gamma)34Cl resonances that are activated at temperatures relevant to oxygen-neon novae. We provide the first reliable uncertainties on these branches and the first upper limits for several previously unmeasured branches.