Bayesian R-matrix Analysis of the 13C(alpha,n)16O Reaction

This project will determine the astrophysical 13C(alpha,n)16O reaction rate and its uncertainty using a multichannel R-matrix analysis of low-energy data. This reaction is the main neutron source for the s process in low-mass asymptotic giant branch stars. AZURE2 will be used to fit cross-section data, investigate near-threshold 17O levels and dataset normalisations, and extrapolate the astrophysical S factor to stellar energies. Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling and parameter scans will quantify correlations and uncertainties in resonance parameters, the S factor, and the thermonuclear rate. Parallel CPU calculations will generate an evaluated reaction rate for subsequent stellar-nucleosynthesis studies. Software: https://www.jinaweb.org/science-research/scientific-resources/codes