Investigation of proton elastic scattering on Zn in inverse kinematics using a stored ESR beam interacting with an internal CH4 target

The investigation of light-ion induced direct reactions in inverse kinematics, using stored and cooled radioactive beams, interacting with internal H, He, etc. gas-jet targets, bears a large potential for nuclear structure and astrophysics studies on exotic nuclei. In particular, this technique enables, as compared to investigations at external targets, high resolution measurements down to very low momentum transfer. It also provides in many cases a gain in luminosity from accumulation and recirculation of the radioactive beams [1]. Consequently an extended research project was recently proposed to the FAIR-PAC by the EXL collaboration (EXotic nuclei studied in Light-ion induced reactions at the NESR storage ring) [2]. In order to explore the experimental conditions for measurements planned at FAIR, performance tests with a prototype detector setup, installed at the internal target of the ESR have been recently performed with stored stable beams.