The Beta-Oslo Method: Experimentally Constrained ( $$n,\gamma $$ ) Reaction Rates Relevant to the r-Process

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, γ) cross-section measurements are virtually impossible, indirect methods are called for to constrain (n, γ) cross sections used as input for the r-process nuclear network. Here we discuss the newly developed beta-Oslo method, which is capable of provding experimental input for calculating (n, γ) rates of neutron-rich nuclei. The beta-Oslo method represents a first step towards constraining neutroncapture rates of importance to the r-process.