Universal origin of heavy elements

The abundance of heavy elements above iron through the rapid neutron capture process or r-process is intimately related to the competition between neutron capture and $\beta$ decay rates, which ultimately depends on the binding energy of atomic nuclei. The well-known Bethe-Weizsacker semi-empirical mass formula describes the binding energy of ground states in nuclei with temperatures of T~0 MeV, where the nuclear symmetry energy saturates between 23-26 MeV. Here we find a larger saturation energy of ~30 MeV for nuclei at T~0.7-1.3 MeV, which corresponds to the typical temperatures where seed elements are created during the cooling down of the ejecta following neutron-star mergers and collapsars. This large symmetry energy yields a reduction of the binding energy per nucleon for neutron-rich nuclei; hence, the close in of the neutron dripline, where nuclei become unbound. This finding constrains exotic paths in the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements -- as supported by microscopic calculations of radiative neutron-capture rates -- and further supports the universal origin of heavy elements, as inferred from the abundances in extremely metal-poor stars and meteorites.

Introduction of a C6D6 detector system on the Back-n of CSNS

Radiative neutron capture cross sections are very important in the field of basic physics research and nuclear device R&D. The Back-n white neutron beam line of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) is the first spallation neutron beam line in China. On the purpose for radiative neutron capture cross section measurement, a C6D6 detector system was built in the Back-n experimental station. The pulse height weighting technique (PHWT) was used to make the system’s detective efficiency independent of the cascade path and the energy of cascade gamma rays. The neutron energy spectrum was measured for the energy between 1eV and 80keV with a 6Li loaded ZnS scintillation detector. Besides, a testing experiment with 197Au and 169Tm samples was carried out to examine this system. According to the preliminary results, this C6D6 detector system can be used to perform neutron capture cross section measurement.

A review of the fission programme at the CERN n_TOF facility

Since 2001, the scientific programme of the CERN n_TOF facility has focused mainly on the study of radiative neutron capture reactions, which are of great interest to nuclear astrophysics and on neutron-induced fission reactions, which are of relevance for nuclear technology, as well as essential for the development of theoretical models of fission. Taking advantage of the high instantaneous neutron flux and high energy resolution of the facility, as well as of high-performance detection and acquisition systems, accurate new measurements on several long-lived actinides, from 232Th to 245Cm, have been performed so far. Data on these isotopes are needed in order to improve the safety and efficiency of conventional reactors, as well as to develop new systems for nuclear energy production and treatment of nuclear waste, such as Generation IV reactors, Accelerator Driven Systems and reactors based on innovative fuel cycles. A review of the most important results on fission cross-sections and fragment properties obtained at n_TOF for a variety of isotopes is presented along with the perspectives arising from the newly added 19 m flight-path, which will expand the measurement capabilities to even more rare or short-lived isotopes, such as 230Th, 232U, 238Pu and 244Cm.