Underground measurement of reactions alpha reactions on 10B at energies of astrophysical interest

My project is in the field of Nuclear Astrophysics, specifically on the cross-section measurements of two alpha-induced reactions on boron targets. Both reactions are relevant to nucleosynthesis in first generation stars and possibly to the cosmological lithium problem. The experiments will take place at the 'Laboratory for Underground Nuclear Astrophysics' (LUNA) in Gran Sasso (Italy), using a 400-keV accelerator delivering an intense alpha-particle beam onto an enriched 10B target.

The reactions under investigation produce protons and deuterons, which will be detected using a silicon detector array developed in Edinburgh. Reaction cross sections will be measured down to as low an energy as feasible.

Some of my first goals are to run simulations of the experimental setup and familiarize myself with the silicon detector array and related instrumentation. I expect to take part in all the experimental activities at LUNA as well as doing preparatory work in Edinburgh. Finally, I will be analyzing the data and retrieving the respective cross-sections.