The 18F(p,α)15O reaction: A textbook case in nuclear astrophysics

Abstract

Nuclear astrophysics recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and remains an active field of science. This article reviews several contemporary experimental techniques used to determine nuclear-reaction rates. Additionally, it presents some theoretical aspects directly related to these experimental techniques, providing an introduction to the fundamental principles underlying them. The ¹⁸F($p,\alpha$)¹⁵O reaction, which is associated with $\gamma$-ray emission from classical novae during the first hours after expansion, is used as a central theme throughout the article. Several examples of recent experiments are highlighted, particularly those conducted in nuclear facilities utilizing radioactive beams.