Towards a comprehensive study of the $$^{14}$$N(p,$$\gamma $$)$$^{15}$$O astrophysical key reaction: Description of the experimental technique including novel target preparation

While the N(p,)O reaction plays a key role in the hydrogen-burning processes in various stellar conditions, its reaction rate is not known with sufficient precision. Therefore, the first scientific project at the recently launched Bellotti Ion Beam Facility of the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso was the measurement of the N(p,)O reaction cross section in the proton energy range between 250 and 1500 keV. In this paper, the experimental techniques are summarized with special emphasis on the description of solid state nitrogen target production and characterization. The first results of the reaction yield measured at 55 detection angle are also presented.