Cross sections for proton-induced reactions on Pd isotopes at energies relevant for the gamma process

TL;DR

This study measures proton-induced reaction cross sections on palladium isotopes within the gamma process energy range to improve theoretical models and aid astrophysical nucleosynthesis calculations.

Contribution

It provides new experimental cross section data for multiple Pd isotopes at gamma process energies, aiding model constraints and astrophysical applications.

Findings

Cross sections determined with 3-15% uncertainty.

Data covers energies relevant for the gamma process.

Results support refinement of theoretical reaction rate models.

Abstract

Proton-activation reactions on natural and enriched palladium samples were investigated via the activation technique in the energy range of E_p=2.75 MeV to 9 MeV, close to the upper end of the respective Gamow window of the gamma process. We have determined cross sections for 102Pd(p,gamma)103Ag, 104Pd(p,gamma)105Ag, and 105Pd(p,n)105Ag, as well as partial cross sections of 104Pd(p,n)104Ag^g, 105Pd(p,gamma)106Ag^m, 106Pd(p,n)106Ag^m, and 110Pd(p,n)110Ag^m with uncertainties between 3% and 15% for constraining theoretical Hauser-Feshbach rates and for direct use in gamma-process calculations.