First Measurement of $^{72}$Ge$(n,γ)$ at n_TOF

The slow neutron capture process (s-process) is responsible for producing about half of the elemental abundances heavier than iron in the universe. Neutron capture cross sections on stable isotopes are a key nuclear physics input for s-process studies. The $^{72}$Ge($\eta, \gamma$) cross section has an important influence on production of isotopes between Ge and Zr during s-process in massive stars and therefore experimental data are urgently required. $^{72}$Ge($\eta, \gamma$) was measured at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF (CERN) for the first time at stellar energies. The measurement was performed using an enriched $^{72}$GeO$_2$ sample at a flight path of 185m with a set of liquid scintillation detectors (C$_6$D$_6$). The motivation, experiment and current status of the data analysis are reported.