Measurement of the ⁹¹Zr(p,γ)^92mNb cross section motivated by type Ia supernova nucleosynthesis

The synthesis of heavy, proton rich isotopes is a poorly understood astrophysical process. Thermonuclear (type Ia) supernova explosions are among the suggested sites and abundance some present in early solar system may be used to test models. 92Nb such an isotope one reactions playing role its 91Zr(p,gamma)92Nb. As no experimental cross sections were available for this reaction so far, nucleosynthesis models had solely rely on theoretical calculations. In work section 91Zr(p,gamma)92mNb has been measured at energies by activation. results excellently confirm predictions rates 91Zr(p,gamma)92Nb, as simulations.