Alpha-Cluster Dominance in the alpha p Process in Explosive Hydrogen Burning

Abstract

Nucleosynthesis by alpha particles and heavier 4n nuclei are of great interest as they would involve nuclear cluster resonances. The role of nuclear clustering is discussed for nucleosynthesis with the Cluster Nucleosynthesis Diagram (CND) proposed before, especially those involving alpha induced reactions, based on our recent works of (alpha,p) reactions with low energy RI beams. We present experimental results that alpha resonances play a crucial role for the (alpha,p) reaction cross sections. Molecular resonances are also briefly discussed along this line for O- and C-burning.