Theoretical challenges of determining low-energy neutron-capture cross sections via the Surrogate Technique

Cross sections for radiative neutron capture on unstable nuclei at low energies are difficult to calculate with high precision, and can be impossible to measure directly. It is therefore important to explore alternative methods. The prospects of one such method, the Surrogate Nuclear Reaction Technique, is currently being investigated at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The purpose of this paper is to outline the strategy for combining the results from a surrogate experiment with theoretical calculations in order to extract the desired cross section.