Recoil separator ERNA: Measurement of 3He(α,γ)7Be

We report on a new approach based on the use of the recoil separator ERNA (European Recoil separator for Nuclear Astrophysics) to detect directly the 7Be recoils as well as the prompt γ-rays in coincidence with the recoils. We present technical details of the experimental setup, such as a recirculating 3He gas target, a TOF-E end detector, and a NaI detector array. In addition, the measurement of the separator acceptance is discussed and compared to the expected recoil emittance. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by sample spectra, indicating cross-section determinations of He3(α,γ)Be7 in the energy range Ecm=0.7-3.3MeV with high precision and accuracy.