Study of nuclear physics input-parameters via high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy

Abstract

For nucleosynthesis networks of isotopes heavier than those in the iron-peak region, reaction rates are often calculated within the Hauser-Feshbach statistical model. The accuracy of the predicted cross sections strongly depends on the uncertainties of the nuclear-physics input-parameters. These are nuclear-level densities, γ-ray strength functions, and particle+nucleus optical-model potentials. Here we report on the investigation of statistical properties of nuclei via radiative proton-capture reactions using high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy.