Coulomb dissociation of [superscript 20,21]N

Abstract

Neutron-rich light nuclei and their reactions play an important role in the creation of chemical elements. Here, data from a Coulomb dissociation experiment on [superscript 20,21]N are reported. Relativistic [superscript 20,21]N ions impinged on a lead target and the Coulomb dissociation cross section was determined in a kinematically complete experiment. Using the detailed balance theorem, the [superscript 19]N(n,[gamma])[superscript 20]N and [superscript 20]N(n,[gamma])[superscript 21]N excitation functions and thermonuclear reaction rates have been determined. The [superscript 19]N(n,[gamma])[superscript 20]N rate is up to a factor of 5 higher at T < 1 GK with respect to previous theoretical calculations, leading to a 10% decrease in the predicted fluorine abundance.