Measurement of 73 Ge(n,γ) cross sections and implications for stellar nucleosynthesis

Abstract

Ge(n,γ) cross sections were measured at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN up to neutron energies of 300 keV, providing for the first time experimental data above 8 keV. Results indicate that the stellar cross section at kT=30 keV is 1.5 to 1.7 times higher than most theoretical predictions. The new cross sections result in a substantial decrease of Ge produced in stars, which would explain the low isotopic abundance of Ge in the solar system.