Measuring the ²⁴Mg(α,p)²⁷Al reaction rate using ANASEN detection system

Type I X-ray bursts are recurrent thermonuclear explosions that occur in binary star systems where H and He are accreted onto the surface of a neutron star. To understand the production of nuclei in these explosive environments and their light curves, several model calculations have been performed, exploring a wide range of parameters to investigate the effects of nuclear physics uncertainties. One significant reaction identified in these models is the ²⁴Mg(α,p)²⁷Al reaction [1]. This reaction plays a role in the energy generation during the X-ray bursts, influencing the dynamics of these astrophysical phenomena. Experimental data on this reaction are scarce near the Gamow window for X-ray bursts. To more precisely determine the role of the ²⁴Mg(α,p)²⁷Al in X-ray bursts, we have studied this reaction at the John D. Fox Accelerator Laboratory at Florida State University using the Array for Nuclear Astrophysics and Structure with Exotic Nuclei (ANASEN) with an upgraded gas proportional counter to provide improved position resolution[2]. Results from the experiment will be presented.

Refernces:

[1] A.Parikh et.al., The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, 178:110-136, (2008)

[2] E. Koshchiy et.al., Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 870 (October 2017): 1–11.