(d,pγ) Reactions and the surrogate reaction technique

Neutron-capture reactions on neutron-rich nuclei are important to understand r-process nucleosynthesis, as well as applied needs such as stewardship science and nuclear energy. Because of the short half-lives of these species, it is not possible to measure these reactions directly with neutron beams on unstable targets. The (d,p gamma) reaction with radioactive ion beams has been proposed as a surrogate reaction for (n,gamma). Experiments to develop (d,p gamma) techniques with radioactive ion beams and to demonstrate the efficacy of the (d,p gamma) reaction as a surrogate for (n,gamma) are discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.