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Neutron capture cross sections are the key nuclear physics input to understand nucleosynthesis of the slow neutron capture process (s process). At the neutron time of flight facility n_TOF at CERN neutron capture cross sections of astrophysical interest are measured over a wide energy range. A measurement campaign to determine the stellar (n, gamma) cross sections of Fe and Ni isotopes is currently being pursued. First results on the stellar cross section of 62Ni(n, gamma) confirm previous experimental results. The cross section of the radioactive s-process branching 63Ni was measured for the first time at stellar energies and is about a factor of 2 higher than theoretical predictions. Future facilities and upgrades will allow to access a number of other radioactive nuclides which are crucial for understanding physical conditions of s-process environments., Postprint (published version)

We have measured the neutron-induced capture cross-section of the importants-process isotopesof magnesium. The measurement has been performed at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOFat CERN. From a preliminary analysis of this new set of capture data we find that our resultsseem to be significantly lower than previous data and evaluations. We have also investigated thecontribution of the direct capture component to the Maxwellian-averaged capture cross section, Postprint (published version)

The neutron capture cross section of the reaction 62Ni(n,gamma) 63Ni was measured over a wide energy range from 1 eV to 1 MeV at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF installed at CERN. Preliminary results show that due to the unique experimental setup a high energy resolution was achieved and a number of resonances can be resolved also at high energies (tens to hundreds of keV). This measurement will allow a precise determination of the capture cross section and Maxwellian-Averaged Cross Sections (MACS) and be a step forward for understanding nucleosynthesis processes in stars, Postprint (published version)