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Research Highlight

First spin-parity constraint of the 306 keV resonance in 35Cl for nova nucleosynthesis

ORNL Image
Kelly Chipps setting up the target chamber for the ORNL measurement of the 37Cl+p —> 35Cl + t reaction.

The 306 keV resonance in the 35Cl nucleus may, depending on its properties, play a dominant role in the capture of protons on 34S. This reaction serves as a step in a larger series of reactions which fuels the thermonuclear runaway in nova explosions. Uncertainties in the properties of this resonance contributes to an orders-of-magnitude uncertainty in the rate of this reaction. To reduce this rate uncertainty, the 37Cl+p —> 35Cl + t reaction was measured at the ORNL's Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility to constrain the spin and parity of this resonance. This "indirect" measurement at ORNL produced a level energy, and the first parity assignment and spin constraint on this level, one that is consistent with a zero angular momentum proton capture. Further measurements are needed to determine the full impact of this resonance on the capture of protons on 34S.