Nucleosynthesis in type I X-ray bursts may involve up to several thousand nuclear processes. The majority of these processes have only been determined theoretically due to the lack of sufficient experimental information. Accurate reaction $Q$-values are essential for reliable theoretical estimates of reaction rates. Those reactions with small $Q$-values ($<1$ MeV) are of particular interest in these environments as they may represent waiting points for a continuous abundance flow toward heavier-mass nuclei. To explore the nature of these waiting points, we have performed a comprehensive series of post-processing calculations which examine the sensitivity of nucleosynthesis in type I X-ray bursts to uncertainties in reaction $Q$-values. We discuss and list the relatively few critical masses for which measurements could better constrain the results of our studies. In particular, we stress the importance of measuring the mass of ${}^{65}\mathrm{As}$ to obtain an experimental $Q$-value for the ${}^{64}\mathrm{Ge}(p,\gamma ){}^{65}\mathrm{As}$ reaction.

• Received 5 November 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.79.045802