Measurement of very low (alpha,n) cross sections of astrophysical interest

The reactions C-13(alpha,n)O-16 and Ne-22(alpha,n)Mg-25 are the primary sources of neutrons for the astrophysical s-process. The feasibility of cross section measurements within the respective Gamow windows is discussed in quantitative terms for a 4 pi neutron counter, based on He-3 tubes and a neutron moderator, placed in an underground lab.