Nuclear astrophysics experiments deep underground at LUNA: recent results and next steps at the new 3.5MV facility
S. Zavatarelli* on behalf of the LUNA Collaboration
Pre-published on:
December 12, 2023
Published on:
March 22, 2024
Abstract
At astrophysical energies the cross sections of nuclear processes are usually very small and cosmogenic background prevents their measurement on the Earth surface. Deep underground in the Gran Sasso Laboratory, crucial reactions involved in hydrogen burning has been measured by the LUNA (Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics) Collaboration. Presently a new exciting experimental phase has started thanks to acquisition of the LUNA-3.5 MV accelerator, already installed and operating at Gran Sasso. The accelerator is able to provide hydrogen, helium and carbon high current beams and it will allow to study the key reactions shaping the evolution of massive stars. In particular, in 2023, a first data acquisition campaign will be focused on 22Ne(𝛼,n)25Mg that for massive AGB stars represents the main source of neutrons, affecting the total abundances of the elements heavier than Fe. The present contribution is aimed to summarise the most recent results achieved at the 400 kV accelerator and to highlight the next steps of the experimental program connected to the new facility.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22323/1.441.0313
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