Probing Nucleosynthesis in Novae: $^{22}$Na(p,$\gamma$)$^{23}$Mg

Orbiting gamma ray telescopes have yet to observe the elusive $^{22}$Na isotope. More sensitive observatories are planned, and present uncertainties in the dominant destructive reaction, $^{22}$Na(p,$\gamma$), suggest new measurements in the proton energy range of 150 to 300 keV are needed to clarify the predictions of the amount of $^{22}$Na expected in a nova explosion. In particular, a state in $^{23}$Mg reported by Jenkins [1] implies a possible resonance at E$_p$ = 198 keV which could be significant. We are in the process of measuring the $^{22}$Na(p,$\gamma$) reaction rate directly by using protons from the UW tandem on a specially designed beamline, which includes rastering and cold vacuum protection of the $^{22}$Na implanted targets, fabricated at TRIUMF. A multitude of target tests have been performed with stable $^{23}$Na, focusing on sodium stability with respect to sputtering and heating caused by our high intensity beam. Utilizing two 100$\%$ Ge detectors with anticoincidence shields to reduce cosmic backgrounds, preliminary measurements have been performed on known resonances of $^{22}$Na, as well as on the proposed new resonance. Results will be presented. [1] Jenkins $\it{et}$ $\it{al}$., PRL $\bf{92}$ (2004) 031101