Calculating the reaction rate ³⁷Cl(a,n)⁴⁰K to constrain the destruction rate of ⁴⁰K in stars

⁴⁰K is one of the key isotopes that manipulate the radiogenic heating of a planet’s mantle due to the isotope’s radioactive decay. The heating in turn may facilitate the formation of continents and tectonic plate activity, the latter of which is associated with a habitable environment on a planet. Our group recently constrained the reaction rate of ⁴⁰K(n,p)⁴⁰Ar experimentally for the first time. A preliminary measurement of the ³⁷Cl(a,n)⁴⁰K reaction cross section was also completed in March of 2021. A final measurement of the same reaction is planned for later this year. With these measurements and by studying the reaction ³⁷Cl(a,n)⁴⁰K using the statistical model we can constrain the reaction rate and further reduce the uncertainty in the production of ⁴⁰K. Constraining the destruction rate of ⁴⁰K in stars may further our understanding of its effect on a planet's mantle and its association with the habitability of a planet.