Low-energy enhancement of nuclear γ strength and its impact on astrophysical reaction rates

Abstract

An unexpected enhancement in the low-energy part of the γ-strength function for light and medium-mass nuclei has been discovered at the Oslo Cyclotron Laboratory. This enhancement could lead to an increase in the neutron-capture rates up to two orders of magnitude for very exotic, neutron-rich nuclei. However, it is still an open question whether this structure persists when approaching the neutron drip line. © Owned by the authors, published by EDP Sciences, 2014.