Measurements of $^7Li+d \rightarrow n+\alpha+\alpha$ and $^7Be+d \rightarrow p+\alpha+\alpha$ nuclear reactions and their implication in the Standard Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (SBBN)

Current models of SBBN predict 3-4 times more $^7Li$ than observed. The nuclear reaction $^7Be+d\rightarrow p+\alpha+\alpha$ at energies relevant to SBBN, could destroy a fraction of mass-7 nuclei. We investigate the $^7Be+d$ reaction at SBBN energies using a radioactive $^7Be$ beam and deuterium gas target inside ANASEN (Array for Nuclear Astrophysics Studies with Exotic Nuclei). ANASEN is an active target detector system which tracks the charged particles using a position sensitive proportional counter and 24-SX3 and 4-QQQ position sensitive Silicon detectors, all backed up by CsI detectors. The experiment measures a continuous excitation function by slowing down the beam in the target gas down to zero energy. Our set-up provides a high detection efficiency for all relevant reaction channels. We also performed an experiment for the mirror nuclear reaction $^7Li+d \rightarrow n+\alpha+\alpha$ with ANASEN in solid target mode using $CD_2$ target and a neutron detectors wall. The results of the experiment along with details of ANASEN and plans for the $^7Be+d$ experiment using ANASEN in gas target mode will be presented.