Thermonuclear reaction rate of $^{18}$Ne($α$,$p$)$^{21}$Na from Monte-Carlo calculations

Abstract

The $^{18}$Ne($α$,$p$)$^{21}$Na reaction impacts the break-out from the hot CNO-cycles to the $rp$-process in type I X-ray bursts. We present a revised thermonuclear reaction rate, which is based on the latest experimental data. The new rate is derived from Monte-Carlo calculations, taking into account the uncertainties of all nuclear physics input quantities. In addition, we present the reaction rate uncertainty and probability density versus temperature. Our results are also consistent with estimates obtained using different indirect approaches.

12 pages, 6 figures, 4 tables, Phys. Rev. C, accepted; V2: affiliation of coauthor updated, typos corrected