Abstract
Understanding the processes which create and destroy Na-22 is important for diagnosing classical nova outbursts. Conventional Na-22(p,gamma) studies are complicated by the need to employ radioactive targets. In contrast, we have formed the particle-unbound states of interest through the heavy-ion fusion reaction, C-12(C-12,n)Mg-23 and used the Gammasphere array to investigate their radiative decay branches. Detailed spectroscopy was possible and the Na-22(p,gamma) reaction rate has been reevaluated. New hydrodynamical calculations incorporating the upper and lower limits on the new rate suggest a reduction in the yield of Na-22 with respect to previous estimates, implying a reduction in the maximum detectability distance for Na-22 gamma rays from novae.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 031101 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Physical Review Letters |
| Volume | 92 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 1 Jan 2004 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2004 |