Neutron-Capture Cross Section Constraints for i-process Nucleosynthesis

Neutron-capture nucleosynthesis occurs via a variety of processes depending on the astrophysical sites and conditions. Recent observations and stellar evolution models suggest that an intermediate process, known as the i-process, exists between the s- and r-processes, and is necessary to explain abundances in the Ge-Te region. The abundance patterns of i-process nuclei are greatly impacted by neutron-capture rates. Direct neutron-capture measurements are only feasible for long-lived nuclei, while for short-lived nuclei, indirect techniques are required. One such technique is the $\beta$-Oslo method in which the nuclear level density (NLD) and $\gamma$-strength function ($\gamma$SF) are extracted following the $\beta$-decay of a neutron-rich parent and are used in a statistical reaction model to constrain the neutron-capture cross section. In this work, $^{103,104}$Mo were studied at the NSCL via the $\beta$-decay of $^{103,104}$Nb and detected using the Summing NaI (SuN) detector. Results on the NLD, $\gamma$SF, neutron-capture cross sections, and reaction rates of $^{102}$Mo(n,$\gamma$)$^{103}$Mo and $^{103}$Mo(n,$\gamma$)$^{104}$Mo using the $\beta$-Oslo method, and i-process network calculations from the Nucleosynthesis Grid (NuGrid) Collaboration will be presented.