# Excitation function

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**Excitation function** ( yield curve) is a term used in [nuclear physics](/source/Nuclear_physics) to describe a graphical plot of the yield of a radionuclide or reaction channel as a function of the bombarding projectile energy or the calculated excitation energy of the [compound nucleus](/source/Nuclear_reaction#Compound_nuclear_reactions).[1] The yield is the measured intensity of a particular transition.[2]

The excitation function typically resembles a Gaussian [bell curve](/source/Gaussian_function) and is mathematically described by a [Breit–Wigner](/source/Relativistic_Breit%E2%80%93Wigner_distribution) function, owing to the [resonant](/source/Resonance_(particle_physics)) nature of the production of the compound nucleus.[1][2] The energy value at the maximum yield on the excitation curve corresponds to the energy of the resonance.[2] The energy interval between 25% and 75% of the maximum yield on the excitation curve are equivalent to the resonance width.[2]

A [nuclear reaction](/source/Nuclear_reaction) should be described by a complete study of the exit channel (1n,2n,3n etc.) excitation functions in order to allow a determination of the optimum energy to be used to maximize the yield.[1]

## See also

- [Resonant reaction](/source/Resonance_(particle_physics))

## References

1. Iliadis, Christian (2015-05-26). [*Nuclear Physics of Stars: Iliadis/Nuclear Physics of Stars*](http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/9783527692668). Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. [doi:10.1002/9783527692668](https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527692668). ISBN 978-3-527-69266-8.

1. Rolfs, Claus E. (1988). *Cauldrons in the cosmos : nuclear astrophysics*. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0-226-72456-5. [OCLC 16082955](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/16082955)

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