The LUNA Neutron Detector Array for�the Direct Measurement of the13C(α,n)16O Nuclear Reaction

Abstract

The direct measurement of the13C(α,n)16O nuclear reaction down to its Gamow window is essential to the complex understanding of the astrophysical s-process, which is responsible for the production of about half of the heavier elements above the iron group. The combination of a high efficiency experimental setup and the extremely low environmental background is required to measure cross sections of the order of picobarns. This paper presents the main features of the LUNA neutron detector array dedicated to the direct investigation of the13C(α,n)16O nuclear reaction in the Underground Laboratory of LNGS.