Most of the chemical elements in the periodic table heavier than iron are produced during the evolution of red-giant stars through nuclear reactions induced by neutrons. Reproducing and accurately measuring these nuclear reactions in the laboratory provide unique insights into the life cycles of stars and the progressive enrichment of our Milky Way galaxy with heavy elements.
In this presentation, I will summarize some of the most significant experimental efforts in nucleosynthesis studies conducted at the neutron time-of-flight facility CERN n_TOF (Geneva). Specifically, I will highlight how upgrades to the facility over the past 25 years, combined with advancements in technology and innovative approaches in detection systems, have enabled the exploration of fascinating new aspects of nucleosynthesis in red-giant stars.
Interestingly, some of the technological advancements developed for nucleosynthesis studies have potential applications in enhancing the accuracy of accelerator-aided hadron-therapy treatments. In particular, I will briefly discuss the importance of ion-range verification in hadron therapy and how modern instrumentation from these experiments could contribute to improving its precision and versatility.
Wolfgang Quint
Carlo Ewerz
Yury Litvinov