Determination of the Bi209(n,γ)Bi210g cross section using the NICE detector

The capture cross section of $^{209}\mathrm{Bi}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma})^{210g}\mathrm{Bi}$ was measured at different astrophysically relevant energies including thermal capture cross section (25 meV), resonance integral, and the Maxwellian averaged cross section at a thermal energy of $kT=30$ keV. The partial capture cross section $({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{g})$ was determined using the activation technique and by measuring the $^{210}\mathrm{Po}$ activity. The newly developed and tested NICE detector setup was used to measure the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ activity of the $^{210}\mathrm{Po}$. Using this setup the thermal and resonance integral cross sections were determined to be $16.2\phantom{\ru…

Thermal (n, γ) cross section and resonance integral of 171Tm

Background: About 50% of the heavy elements are produced in stars during the slow neutron capture process. The analysis of branching points allows us to set constraints on the temperature and the neutron density in the interior of stars. Purpose: The temperature dependence of the branch point 171Tm is weak. Hence, the 171Tm neutron capture cross section can be used to constrain the neutron density during the main component of the s process in thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) stars. Methods: A 171Tm sample produced at the ILL was activated with thermal and epithermal neutrons at the TRIGA research reactor at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. Results: The thermal neu…

Thermal (n,γ) cross section and resonance integral ofTm171