First inverse kinematics measurement of resonances in Be7 ( α,γ)C11

A possible mechanism to explain the origin of the light $p$ nuclei in the Galaxy is the nucleosynthesis in the proton-rich neutrino-driven wind ejecta of core-collapse supernovas via the $\ensuremath{\nu}p$ process. However, this production scenario is very sensitive to the underlying supernova dynamics and the nuclear physics input. As far as the nuclear uncertainties are concerned, the breakout from the $pp$ chains via the $^{7}\mathrm{Be}(\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma})^{11}\mathrm{C}$ reaction has been identified as an important link which can influence the nuclear flow and, therefore, the efficiency of the $\ensuremath{\nu}p$ process. However, its reaction rate is poorly known over the relevant temperature range, $T$ = 1.5--3 GK. We report on the first direct measurement of two resonances of the $^{7}\mathrm{Be}(\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma})^{11}\mathrm{C}$ reaction with previously unknown strengths using an intense radioactive $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ beam from the Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC-I) Center facility and the DRAGON recoil separator in inverse kinematics. We have decreased the $^{7}\mathrm{Be}(\ensuremath{\alpha},\ensuremath{\gamma})^{11}\mathrm{C}$ reaction rate uncertainty to $\ensuremath{\approx}9.4\text{--}10.7$% over the relevant temperature region.