Impact of a low-energy enhancement in the γ-ray strength function on the neutron-capture cross section

A low-energy enhancement of the gamma-ray strength function in several light and medium-mass nuclei has been observed recently in He-3-induced reactions. The effect of this enhancement on (n,gamma) cross sections is investigated for stable and unstable neutron-rich Fe, Mo, and Cd isotopes. Our results indicate that the radiative neutron capture cross sections may increase considerably due to the low-energy enhancement when approaching the neutron drip line. This could have non-negligible consequences on r-process nucleosynthesis calculations.