The beta-Oslo method: experimentally constrained ($n,\gamma$) reaction rates relevant to the $r$-process

TL;DR

The paper introduces the beta-Oslo method, an experimental approach to constrain neutron-capture reaction rates of neutron-rich nuclei, crucial for improving r-process nucleosynthesis models.

Contribution

It presents the beta-Oslo method as a novel experimental technique to indirectly determine ($n,\, ext{gamma}$) reaction rates for neutron-rich nuclei involved in the r-process.

Findings

Demonstrates the feasibility of the beta-Oslo method.

Provides initial constraints on neutron-capture rates.

Lays groundwork for future r-process nucleosynthesis studies.

Abstract

Unknown neutron-capture reaction rates remain a significant source of uncertainty in state-of-the-art $r$-process nucleosynthesis reaction network calculations. As the $r$-process involves highly neutron-rich nuclei for which direct ($n,\gamma$) cross-section measurements are virtually impossible, indirect methods are called for to constrain ($n,\gamma$) cross sections used as input for the $r$-process nuclear network. Here we discuss the newly developed beta-Oslo method, which is capable of providing experimental input for calculating ($n,\gamma$) rates of neutron-rich nuclei. The beta-Oslo method represents a first step towards constraining neutron-capture rates of importance to the $r$-process.