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Neutron Cross Sections: Clues for s-Process Nucleosynthesis Franz Käppeler Abstract The slow neutron-capture process, which is responsible for about half of the elemental abundances between Fe and Bi, is of utmost interest for stellar evolution models, since the abundance patterns are reflecting the physical conditions at the stellar site. These abundances are essentially determined by the respective neutron-capture cross-sections, which are accessible by laboratory experiments. Correspondingly, the s-process provides a unique window to the stellar interior. The status of the relevant nuclear physics data for quantitative analyses is briefly outlined, and the available experimental techniques and facilities are sketched by means of some recent results. The remaining experimental quests will be discussed in the light of present possibilities and future developments. |