Abstract
The rate of the 17F(p,gamma)18Ne reaction is of significant importance in astrophysical events like novae and x-ray bursts. A previous 17F(p,p)17F measurement identified the 3+ state in 18Ne predicted to dominate the rate above 0.2 GK at a center of mass energy of 599.8 keV, but the resonance
strength for proton capture was unknown. We have directly measured the 17F(p,gamma)18Ne reaction with the Daresbury Recoil Separator, using a mixed beam of radioactive 17F and stable 17O from the HRIBF at ORNL. The resonance strength for the 599.8 keV resonance in 18Ne was found to be = 33�14(stat)�17(sys) meV, corresponding to a width of = 56�24(stat)�30(sys) meV.
Additionally, an upper limit on the direct capture S factor of S(E) < 65 keV b was determined at an intermediate energy of 800 keV.
