Measurement of 144Sm(p, γ) cross-section at Gamow energies

Abstract The cross-section measurement of 144 Sm(p, γ ) 145 Eu (T 1/2 = 5.93(4) days) reaction has been performed at proton energies around 2.6–6.8 MeV using the activation technique. Molecular deposition technique was used to prepare the 144 Sm targets having thickness between 100 and 350 μ g cm −2 on Al backing. The astrophysical S -factor of this reaction has been measured for the first time at E p cm = 2.57 ± 0.13 MeV, S -factor = 2.542 ± 1.152(×10 10 ) MeV-b. Cross-section data were compared with the previously measured experimental data (2.8–7.5 MeV) from literature and the theoretical predictions obtained using Hauser-Feshbach statistical model. Obtained results were utilised to predict the reaction rates for 144 Sm ( p , γ ) and 145 Eu ( γ , p ) reactions.