From nuclear astrophysics to fundamental nuclear physics: challenging experimental approaches at n_TOF (CERN)

The n_TOF installation at CERN is one of the leading neutron facilities worldwide undergoing a major update of the neutron spallation source. The update will provide improved n-TOF resolution in the experimental areas and the possibility to perform neutron cross section measurements at very high neutron flux (NEAR-Station). The renewed capabilities of the facility must be supported by smart and non-conventional experimental approaches. In this framework two examples will be reported. The first one concerns the measurement of a key reaction channel involved in Primordial Nucleosynthesis: the $^7$Be(n, α), by using a radioactive $^7$Be target. The second one provides a state-of-the-art scenario for the n-n scattering length measurement. This will be performed by neutron-deuteron (n-d) breakup three-body reaction. In this case, the envisaged experimental setup will provide a complete three-body kinematic reconstruction. By these important physics cases we are crossing the technological frontiers for charged particle and neutron detection.