Stellar reaction rate of 14N(p, γ)15O and hydrogen burning in massive stars

Abstract The capture reaction 14 N(p, γ) 15 O has been investigated in the energy range E p = 0.2 to 3.6 MeV with the use of windowless gas targets as well as implanted 14 N solid targets of high isotopic purity. The measurement of absolute cross sections, γ-ray angular distributions and excitation functions is reported. The data provide information on the capture amplitudes involved in the transitions to all bound states of 15 O. The astrophysical S -factor at stellar energies has been determined by means of theoretical fits. The result of S (0) = 3.20 keV · b is in good agreement with the value incorporated in the compilations. Also discussed are the nuclear physics aspects of the data.