Particle Decay of the 6.15 MeV Level in $^{18}$Ne*

The $^{14}$O($\alpha$,p)$^{17}$F reaction rate is important as a trigger reaction in x-ray bursts and has significant impact on the burst light curve and final abundances. In addition, the reaction provides a pathway to alter the ratio of $^{14}$O to $^{15}$O in the accreted material over time. A $J^{\pi} = 1^-$ resonance in $^{18}$Ne above the $^{14}$O+$\alpha$ threshold is expected to dominate the reaction rate at temperatures relevant to Type I x-ray bursts, but the particle decay widths for this level are not well known. The relative strengths of the proton decay branches to the ground and first excited state of $^{17}$F, which are critical to calculation of the reaction rate from the time-inverse reaction $^{17}$F(p,$\alpha$)$^{14}$O, are not fully constrained. Potentially competing alpha and even 2p decays may also be important. To address these discrepancies, $^{20}$Ne(p,t)$^{18}$Ne data from the JENSA gas jet target system were examined, utilizing a new technique to observe particle decays of the excited levels in $^{18}$Ne. The technique and preliminary results will be presented, along with plans for a future jet target system for reaccelerated beams from FRIB.