An Exploration of Neutron Capture in Astrophysics Via Actinide Target-Making and Microscopic Capture Rate Calculations

Neutron capture rates are essential for understanding the synthesis of elements heavier than iron, but experimental measurements of neutron capture rates remain unfeasible for many unstable nuclei. A significant obstacle regarding this is the lack of suitable methods for fabricating targets from long-lived isotopes necessary for such measurements. To address this issue, we present a novel target making method. This approach combines solution combustion synthesis with spin coating to produce high quality targets. We also assess the suitability of natural uranium targets prepared using this method for neutron capture rate measurements. In the absence of experimental data, theoretical predictions of neutron capture rates are used for the study of heavy elements. We explore the impact of microscopic optical potentials, along with other nuclear input parameters (nuclear level densities, ?-strength functions, and atomic masses), on neutron capture rates and heavy element abundances. Furthermore, we identify combinations of these models that best replicate experimental and observational data.