Abstract
The reaction plays a key role in various astrophysical scenarios, from asymptotic giant branch stars to classical novae. It affects the synthesis of rare isotopes such as and , which can provide constraints on astrophysical models. A new direct determination of the resonance strength performed at the Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics (LUNA) accelerator has led to the most accurate value to date , thanks to a significant background reduction underground and generally improved experimental conditions. The (bare) proton partial width of the corresponding state at in is . This width is about a factor of 2 higher than previously estimated, thus leading to a factor of 2 increase in the reaction rate at astrophysical temperatures relevant to shell hydrogen burning in red giant and asymptotic giant branch stars. The new rate implies lower ratios, with important implications on the interpretation of astrophysical observables from these stars.
- Received 29 April 2016
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.142502
© 2016 American Physical Society