^{90,91,92,93,94,96}Zr neutron-capture cross sections from n-TOF

Abstract

Based on the characteristic features of the n-TOF facility at CERN, accurate measurements of the (n, γ) cross sections have been performed for all stable Zr isotopes as well as for the radioactive isotope 93Zr, providing a new set of cross sections that can be used in stellar models⋯ The Zr neutron-capture cross sections from the n-TOF experiment have been included in models of the slow neutron-capture process (the s process) in C-rich Asymptotic Giant Branch stars; the model results have been compared to data from single mainstream silicon carbide and high-density graphite grains extracted from meteorites. The new cross sections result in an overall better match between the models and the observational data. We also discuss the perspective for new measurements.