Advances and new ideas for neutron-capture astrophysics experiments at CERN n_TOF

This article presents a few selected developments and future ideas related to the measurement of (n, gamma ) data of astrophysical interest at CERN n_TOF. The MC-aided analysis methodology for the use of low-efficiency radiation detectors in time-of-flight neutron-capture measurements is discussed, with particular emphasis on the systematic accuracy. Several recent instrumental advances are also presented, such as the development of total-energy detectors with gamma- ray imaging capability for background suppression, and the development of an array of small-volume organic scintilla tors aimed at exploiting the high instantaneous neutron-flux of EAR2. Finally, astrophysics prospects related to the intermediate i neutron-capture process of nucleosynthesis are discussed in the context of the new NEAR activation area.

Automated summary

This article presents selected developments and future ideas for the measurement of (n, gamma) data of astrophysical interest at CERN n_TOF. It discusses the MC-aided analysis methodology for low-efficiency radiation detectors in neutron-capture measurements and highlights the systematic accuracy. Recent instrumental advances, such as total-energy detectors with gamma-ray imaging for background suppression and an array of small-volume organic scintillators for high neutron-flux, are also presented. The article concludes with a discussion on astrophysics prospects related to the neutron-capture process of nucleosynthesis in the new NEAR activation area.