Abstract
The radionuclide is a target of -ray astronomy searches, predicted to be produced during thermonuclear runaways driving classical novae. The reaction is the main destruction channel of during a nova, hence, its rate is needed to accurately predict the yield. However, experimental determinations of the resonance strengths have led to inconsistent results. In this Rapid Communication, we report a measurement of the branching ratios of the -delayed protons as a probe of the key 204-keV (center-of-mass) resonance strength. We report a factor of 5 lower branching ratio compared to the most recent literature value. The variation in yield due to nuclear data inconsistencies was assessed using a series of hydrodynamic nova outburst simulations and has increased to a factor of 3.8, corresponding to a factor of uncertainty in the maximum detectability distance. This is the first reported scientific measurement using the Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging system.
- Received 21 November 2019
- Revised 12 February 2020
- Accepted 23 March 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.101.052802
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