Forthcoming (n, gamma) measurements on the Fe and Ni isotopes at CERN n_TOF

Abstract

An overview of the past, present and future research activities at the CERN neutron time of flight facility n TOF is given, with special focus on the astrophysical aspects. During the first campaign (Phase I), neutron capture cross sections of relevance for several aspects of the s-process nucleosynthesis have been measured. A second campaign has recently started (Phase II), aiming at the study of the weak s-process component via accurate (n, ¿) measurements of the Fe and Ni isotopes. Some changes in the facility will allow us to perform these measurements with improved experimental conditions.