The resonances in the $$^{22}$$Ne+$$\alpha $$ fusion reactions

Abstract

AbstractThe interplay and correlation between the $$^{22}$$ 22 Ne$$(\alpha ,\gamma )^{26}$$ ( α , γ ) 26 Mg and the competing $$^{22}$$ 22 Ne$$(\alpha ,n)^{25}$$ ( α , n ) 25 Mg reaction plays an important role for the interpretation of the $$^{22}$$ 22 Ne$$(\alpha ,n)^{25}$$ ( α , n ) 25 Mg reaction as a neutron source in the s- and n-processes. This paper provides a summary and new data on the $$\alpha $$ α -cluster and single-particle structure of the compound nucleus $$^{26}$$ 26 Mg and the impact on the reaction rate of these two competing processes in stellar helium burning environments.