Nuclear astrophysics recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and remains an active field of science. The goal of this presentation is to review several experimental techniques used to determine nuclear-reaction rates. Additionally, I will present some theoretical aspects directly related to these experimental techniques, providing an introduction to the fundamental principles underlying them.
The 18F(p,alpha)15O reaction is probably the most studied reaction in nuclear astrophysics recently, with more than 50 studies published in the last two decades. The 18F(p,alpha)15O reaction is associated with gamma-ray emission from classical novae during the first hours after expansion. This reaction will be used as a central theme of the presentation. Several examples of recent experiments will be highlighted, particularly those conducted in nuclear facilities utilizing radioactive beams.
