The surrogate method. An indirect approach to compound-nucleus reactions

An indirect method for determining cross sections for reactions proceeding through a compound nucleus is presented. Exploring indirect approaches for obtaining reaction cross sections is important since a large number of reactions relevant to astrophysics cannot be measured with currently available techniques. Of particular importance are reactions involving unstable nuclei. Some applications of the Surrogate nuclear reactions method are considered and challenges that need to be addressed are outlined. (author)