Calculation of the 13N(p, ?)14O Cross Section at Low Energies

Abstract

R-matrix formulae are used to calculate the 13N(p, ?) 140 cross section in the energy region of astrophysical interest. Values of the R-matrix parameters are determined by fitting experimental data in 14C and 14N as well as 140, and by making use of shell model calculations where necessary. With the presently available data, there is considerable uncertainty in the predicted cross section, but this could be reduced appreciably by a measurement of the lifetime of the first excited state of 14C. With the preferred channel radius of about 5 fm, the predicted cross section is lower than those found in two previous calculations, which are discussed in some detail.