Exploring the uncertainties of (α, xn) reactions for the weak r-process

“Light” heavy elements ( Z = 38 − 47) can be synthesized in the neutrino–driven ejecta of core–collapse supernovae via the weak r –process. This nucleosynthesis scenario exhibits uncertainties from the absence of experimental data from ( α , n ) reactions on neutron–rich nuclei, and are mostly based on statistical model calculations. We present preliminary results from a recent sensitivity study, using the Atomki–V2 α -nucleus potential to identify the most important ( α , n ) reactions that can affect the production of “light” heavy elements between strontium and silver under different astrophysical conditions. We also discuss the planning of studies to experimentally determine ( α , xn ) reaction rates using the MUSIC detector at Argonne National Laboratory and the SECAR recoil separator at FRIB.