Using transfer reaction $^{28}$Si($^6$Li,t)$^{31}$S(p)$^{30}$P to study resonances near proton-threshold in $^{31}$S

Properties of states near the proton threshold in $^{31}$S are important towards determining the $^{30}$P(p,$\gamma$) reaction rate, which is a key nucleosynthesis reaction occurring in ONe nova explosions. Variations in this reaction rate strongly influence the final abundances of several isotopes including $^{30}$Si, $^{31}$P, $^{32}$S, $^{35}$Cl and $^{36}$Ar. An improved constraint on this rate will have implications for the use of observed Si-Ca abundances in ONe novae to constrain their temperature, and help shed light on the degree of mixing between the accreted hydrogenic matter and the nova surface. At present, proton branching ratios are known for states up to 600 keV above the proton threshold – with information on states within the Gamow window still lacking. We used the transfer reaction $^{28}$Si($^6$Li,t) to study $^{31}$S states in this region using the FSU Super-Enge Split-Pole Spectrograph (SE-SPS). Decay protons from these states were detected in coincidence with the tritons reaction products using the Silicon Array For Branching Ratio Experiments (SABRE). Preliminary results and astrophysical implications of this study will be discussed.