25Mg (α, n)28Si and 26Mg(α, n)29Si as neutron sources in explosive neon burning

Abstract

The yields of neutrons from the reaction 25Mg(α, n)28Si and of γ-rays from the reaction 25Mg(α, nγ)28Si have been measured as a function of bombarding energy over the range 1.8-6.3 MeV, and the yield of neutrons from 26Mg(α, n)29Si has been measured over the range 1.8-6.0 MeV. Cross sections for 25, 26Mg(α, n)28, 29Si were extracted from the data and compared with global statistical-model calculations. The agreement is very good. Thermonuclear reaction rates under stellar conditions appropriate for explosive neon burning are calculated and their significance for the nucleosynthesis of rare neutron-rich nuclei is discussed. © 1983.