Astrophysical aspects of $^{12}$C$(p,{\gamma})^{13}$N reaction

TL;DR

This paper investigates the $^{12}$C$(p,{\gamma})^{13}$N reaction within the CNO cycle, using astrophysical R-matrix methods to extrapolate low-energy cross sections and assess its impact on stellar isotopic ratios.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of R-matrix analysis to extrapolate low-energy reaction rates for the $^{12}$C$(p,{\gamma})^{13}$N process relevant to astrophysics.

Findings

Extrapolated low-energy cross sections for the reaction.

Implications for $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C isotopic ratios in stars.

Enhanced understanding of the CNO cycle reaction rates.

Abstract

The Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen (CNO) cycle is fundamental to the process of hydrogen burning in stars, serving as a pivotal mechanism. At its core, the primary reaction involves the radiative capture of a proton by $^{12}$C, crucially influencing the isotopic ratio of $^{12}$C to $^{13}$C observed in celestial bodies, including our Solar System. We have addressed this reaction mechanism by extrapolating to low-energy cross sections and S-factors with the aid of astrophysical R-matrix. Our investigation aims to shed light on its implications for nuclear reaction rates, thus influencing the abundance ratio of $^{12}$C to $^{13}$C in the cosmic environment.