Development of the (d,n) proton-transfer reaction in inverse kinematics for structure studies

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and analysis of the (d,n) proton-transfer reaction in inverse kinematics, aiming to enhance nuclear structure studies with rare ion beams and prepare for future facilities like FRIB.

Contribution

It introduces techniques for (d,n) reactions in inverse kinematics and presents recent experimental data, expanding the transfer reaction toolbox for rare isotope research.

Findings

Successful analysis of (d,n) reactions with stable beams of 12C and 16O.

Comparison of (d,n) with other transfer reactions like (d,p).

Preparation for future studies with rare ion beams at FRIB.

Abstract

Transfer reactions have provided exciting opportunities to study the structure of exotic nuclei and are often used to inform studies relating to nucleosynthesis and applications. In order to benefit from these reactions and their application to rare ion beams (RIBs) it is necessary to develop the tools and techniques to perform and analyze the data from reactions performed in inverse kinematics, that is with targets of light nuclei and heavier beams. We are continuing to expand the transfer reaction toolbox in preparation for the next generation of facilities, such as the Facility for Rare Ion Beams (FRIB), which is scheduled for completion in 2022. An important step in this process is to perform the (d,n) reaction in inverse kinematics, with analyses that include Q-value spectra and differential cross sections. In this way, proton-transfer reactions can be placed on the same level as the more commonly used neutron-transfer reactions, such as (d,p), (9Be,8Be), and (13C,12C). Here we present an overview of the techniques used in (d,p) and (d,n), and some recent data from (d,n) reactions in inverse kinematics using stable beams of 12C and 16O.