Neutrino induced reactions related to the $\nu$-process nucleosynthesis of ${}^{92}$Nb and ${}^{98}$Tc

TL;DR

This paper investigates neutrino-induced reactions relevant to the $ u$-process nucleosynthesis of ${}^{92}$Nb and ${}^{98}$Tc, providing cross section calculations and discussing alternative formation pathways.

Contribution

It presents detailed cross section calculations for neutrino reactions leading to ${}^{92}$Nb and ${}^{98}$Tc using the quasi-particle random phase approximation, and discusses alternative nucleosynthesis routes.

Findings

Calculated energy and temperature dependent cross sections.

Identified key neutrino reactions for ${}^{92}$Nb and ${}^{98}$Tc.

Discussed feasibility of neutron-induced reactions as alternative production mechanisms.

Abstract

It has recently been proposed that ${}^{92}_{41}$Nb and ${}^{98}_{43}$Tc may have been formed in the $\nu$-process. We investigate the neutrino induced reactions related to the $\nu$-process origin of the two odd-odd nuclei. The main neutrino reactions for ${}^{92}_{41}$Nb are the charged-current (CC) $^{92}$Zr($\nu_e,e^{-}$)$^{92}$Nb and the neutral-current (NC) $^{93}$Nb(${\nu} ({\bar \nu}), {\nu}^{'} ({\bar \nu})^{'}$ n)$^{92}$Nb reactions. The main reactions for ${}^{98}_{43}$Tc, are the CC reaction $^{98}$Mo($\nu_e,e^-$)$^{98}$Tc and the NC reaction $^{99}$Ru(${\nu} ({\bar \nu}), {\nu}^{'} ({\bar \nu})^{'}$ p)$^{98}$Tc. Our calculations are carried out using the quasi-particle random phase approximation. Numerical results are presented for the energy and temperature dependent cross sections. Since charge exchange reactions by neutrons may also lead to the formation of ${}^{92}_{41}$Nb and ${}^{98}_{43}$Tc, we discuss the feasibility of the $^{92}$Mo(n,p)$^{92}$Nb and $^{98}$Ru(n,p)$^{98}$Tc reactions to produce these nuclei.