Measurement of 73Ge(n,γ) cross sections and implications for stellar nucleosynthesis

Abstract

73Ge(n, γ) cross sections were measured at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN up to neutron energies of 300keV, providing for the first time experimental data above 8keV. Results indicate that the stellar cross section at kT=30keV is 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than most theoretical predictions. The new cross sections result in a substantial decrease of 73Ge produced in stars, which would explain the low isotopic abundance of 73Ge in the solar system.