Novel thick-target inverse kinematics method for the astrophysical 12C+12C fusion reaction

Abstract: The 12C + 12C fusion is one of the most important reactions in modern nuclear astrophysics. The trend and magnitude of the reaction rate within the Gamow window strongly influence various astrophysical processes. However, direct measurement of this reaction is extremely difficult, which makes it necessary to develop indirect methods. In this study, the 23Na + p reaction system was used to study the compound nucleus 24Mg. We employed a thick-target inverse kinematics method combined with the γ-charged-particle coincidence technique to measure the proton and ɑ exit channels of 24Mg. Technical details of the 23Na + p thick-target inverse kinematics experiment and analysis are presented herein.