0000000000179072
AUTHOR
Friedrich-karl Thielemann
THE R-PROCESS: SUPERNOVAE AND OTHER SOURCES OF THE HEAVIEST ELEMENTS
Rapid neutron capture in stellar explosions is responsible for the heaviest elements in nature, up to Th , U and beyond. This nucleosynthesis process, the r-process, is unique in the sense that a combination of nuclear physics far from stability (masses, half-lives, neutron-capture and photodisintegration, neutron-induced and beta-delayed fission and last but not least neutrino-nucleus interactions) is intimately linked to ejecta from astrophysical explosions (core collapse supernovae or other neutron star related events). The astrophysics and nuclear physics involved still harbor many uncertainties, either in the extrapolation of nuclear properties far beyond present experimental explorat…
rp-process nucleosynthesis at extreme temperature and density conditions
We present nuclear reaction network calculations to investigate the influence of nuclear structure on the rp-process between Ge and Sn in various scenarios. Due to the lack of experimental data for neutron-deficient nuclei in this region, we discuss currently available model predictions for nuclear masses and deformations as well as methods of calculating reaction rates (Hauser-Feshbach) and beta-decay rates (QRPA and shell model). In addition, we apply a valence nucleon (NpNn) correlation scheme for the prediction of masses and deformations. We also describe the calculations of 2p-capture reactions, which had not been considered before in this mass region. We find that in X-ray bursts 2p-c…
The Astrophysicalr‐Process: A Comparison of Calculations following Adiabatic Expansion with Classical Calculations Based on Neutron Densities and Temperatures
The rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) encounters unstable nuclei far from β-stability. Therefore its observable features, like the abundances, witness (still uncertain) nuclear structure as well as the conditions in the appropriate astrophysical environment. With the remaining lack of a full understanding of its astrophysical origin, parameterized calculations are still needed. We consider two approaches: (1) the classical approach is based on (constant) neutron number densities nn and temperatures T over duration timescales τ; (2) recent investigations, motivated by the neutrino wind scenario from hot neutron stars after a supernova explosion, followed the expansion of matter with …
The Astrophysical r-process
In 1957, Burbidge, Burbidge, Fowler and Hoyle (B2FH) provided a basis for forty years of research in various aspects of nucleosynthesis in stars. We will focus in this paper on progress in r-process nucleosynthesis, with emphasis on the most recent developments in nuclear physics. In 1986, the first experimental data on two crucial, neutron-magic “waiting-point” nuclei provided valuable clues to the astrophysical conditions and the nature of the r-process site. Beginning in the 1990’s, our group (FK2L) presented considerably improved r-abundance calculations, which were for the first time based on a modern, internally consistent nuclear-theory input. The phenomenon of shell-quenching far fr…
Nuclear-structure input to r-process calculations
Abstract By comparing results from r-process parameter studies within the classical waiting-point approximation with the observed solar-system r-abundance distribution N r ,⊙ , in-formation on nuclear-structure phenomena on neutron-rich isotopes far off the stability line can be obtained. Such information is — to a large extent — experimentally not accessible. Investigations in the early 1990's, making use of QRPA β-decay properties and nuclear masses from the macroscopic-microscopic FRDM and ETFSI-1 models, showed r-abundance deficiencies around A ⋍115 and 180 , indicating overly strong N=82 and 126 shell strengths far from stability. Recent experiments in the A ⋍110–130 region as well as …
The beta-decay half-life of 48 130 Cd82 and its importance for astrophysicalr-process scenarios
The s-decay half-life of130Cd has been measured and its importance as N=82 ‘waiting-point’ nucleus for astrophysical rapid neutron capture (r−) process scenarios is discussed.
Origin of the odd-even staggering in theA?80 solarR-abundance peak
In contrast to the conventional picture, the r-process yields in the A≃80 abundance peak exhibit a pronounced odd-even staggering. It is proposed that this behaviour may be due to strong β-delayed neutron branching from a few odd-mass isotopes located in or close to the r-process path.
Applicability Of The Hauser-Feshbach Approach For The Determination of Astrophysical Reaction Rates
Nuclear Astrophysics requires the knowledge of reaction rates over a wide range of nuclei and temperatures. In recent calculations the nuclear level density - as an important ingredient to the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach) - has shown the highest uncertainties. In a back-shifted Fermi-gas formalism utilizing an energy-dependent level density parameter and employing microscopic corrections from a recent FRDM mass formula, we obtain a highly improved fit to experimental level densities. The resulting level density is used for determining criteria for the applicability of the statistical model on neutron-induced reactions.
Constraints on r-process conditions from beta-decay properties far off stability and r-abundances.
The measured beta -decay properties of the 'waiting-point' nuclei 130Cd and 80Zn, together with improved shell model predictions of T1/2 and Pn-values for their experimentally unknown N approximately=82 and 50 neighbours, can be directly related to the observed r-abundances in the A approximately=130 and 80 abundance peaks. Based on this result, new constraints are given on the stellar conditions under which the r-process has operated.
Heavy Elements and Age Determinations
The age of the universe, measured from the Big Bang to the present, is at the focus of cosmology. Its determination relies, however, on the use of stellar objects or their products. Stellar explosions, like type Ia supernovae serve as standard(izable) candles to measure the expansion of the universe. Hertzsprung—Russell diagrams of globular clusters can determine the age of such clusters and thus are lower limits of the age of the galaxy and therefore also the universe. Some nuclear isotopes with half-lives comparable to the age of galaxies (and the universe) can serve as clocks (chronometers) for the duration of nucleosynthesis. The isotopes 238U and 232Th with half-lives of 4.5 × l09 and …
Nuclear physics far from stability and explosive nucleosynthesis processes
In this paper, we discuss the astrophysically relevant nuclear-physics input for a selected set of explosive nucleosynthesis scenarios leading to rapid protonand neutron-capture processes. Observables (like,e.g., luminosity curves or abundance distributions) witness the interplay between nuclear-structure aspects far from β-stability and the appropriate astrophysical environments, and can give guidance to and constraints on stellar conditions and/or key features of reaction and decay data for radioactive isotopes.
Primordial Heavy Element Production
A number of possible mechanisms have been suggested to generate density in-homogeneities in the early Universe which could survive until the onset of primordial nucleosynthesis (Malaney and Mathews 1993). In this work we are not concerned with how the inhomogeneities were generated but we want to focus on the effect of such inhomogeneities on primordial nucleosynthesis. One of the proposed signatures of inhomogeneity, the synthesis of very heavy elements by neutron capture, was analyzed for varying baryon to photon ratios n and length scales L. A detailed discussion is published in (Rauscher et al. 1994b). Preliminary results can be found in (Thielemann et al. 1991; Rauscher et al. 1994a).
Nuclei Far from Stability and the R-Process Waiting-Point Concept
The nucleosynthesis process by rapid neutron captures (the r-process) is responsible for the formation of about half of the nuclear species in nature beyond Fe. While the astrophysical site for the r-process is not yet unambiguously identified, its association with the cores of low-mass stars undergoing type II supernova (SN) events is strongly suggested (see, e.g., Refs.1,2).
Astrophysical conditions for an r-process in the high-entropy wind scenario of type II supernovae
Within a full dynamical parameter study including freezeout effects, we have determined the astrophysical conditions for an r-process in the so-called ``neutrino-wind`` scenario of core-collapse type II supernovae (SNII). We have started our calculations after the total photo disintegration of the matter above the nascent neutron star at 9 (.) 101 Kelvin with protons and neutrons. We have used the charged-particle network of Thielemann and the r-process code of Freiburghaus, combined with the NON-SMOKER neutron-capture rates of Rauscher, nuclear masses from the ETFS1-Q mass model and recent experimental and theoretical gross beta-decay properties. Using the three parameters V-exp (expansion…
The triple-alpha-reaction at low temperatures.
We have studied the triple-α-reaction at low temperatures which is of importance on accreting white dwarfs and neutron stars. Although we have improved a recent investigation of Nomoto, Thielemann and Miyaji on several points, we find a reaction rate for the relevant temperature range (T=107−108K) which is rather similar to the previous result. In particular, our improved study confirms that helium might be ignited on accreting white dwarfs at temperaturesT≦4.107 K.
Interpretation of the SolarCa48/Ca46Abundance Ratio and the Correlated Ca-Ti Isotopic Anomalies in the EK-1-4-1 Inclusion of the Allende Meteorite
$\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron-emission probabilities of neutron-rich S to K isotopes are calculated with nuclear-structure effects taken into account. These results strongly affect predictions made in high-neutron-density astrophysical scenarios for isotopic abundances of several elements. In particular, it is demonstrated that the solar abundance ratio $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$/$^{46}\mathrm{Ca}$ as well as the correlated Ca and Ti isotopic anomalies can be explained by the same nucleosynthesis process.
The Role of Fission in the r-process
We have developed a full set of fission rates that include spontaneous fission, neutron-induced fission, beta-delayed fission and, neutrino-induced fission, that are supplemented with realistic distributions of fission yields. Using this new input data we have carried out r-process calculations assuming adiabatic expansions that mimic the conditions achieved in the supernova neutrino driven wind. We have explored the sensitivity of the final abundances to different mass models. The resulting abundance distribution turns out to be very sensitive to the strength of the N = 82 shell gap far from stability. Mass models with a strong shell gap converge to an r-process distribution that is indepe…
Neutron capture cross sections for neutron-rich isotopes
Average continuum (Hauser-Feshbach) and resonance (Breit-Wigner) neutron capture rates for neutron-rich isotopes, determined on the basis of recent experimental nuclear physics input parameters, are compared to earlier theoretical reaction rates commonly used in astrophysical model computations.
Decay properties of exoticN≃28 S and Cl nuclei and theCa48/46Ca abundance ratio
Beta-decay half-lives and \ensuremath{\beta}-delayed neutron-emission probabilities of the very neutron-rich nuclei $^{44}\mathrm{S}$ and $^{45--47}\mathrm{Cl}$ have been measured. These isotopes, which lie at or close to the N=28 magic shell, were produced in interactions of a 60 MeV/u $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ beam from GANIL (Grand Acc\'el\'erateur National d'Ions Lourds) with a $^{64}\mathrm{Ni}$ target, and were separated by the doubly achromatic spectrometer LISE (Ligne d'Ions Super Epluch\'es). Their decay was studied by a \ensuremath{\beta}-n time correlation measurement. The results are compared to recent model predictions and indicate a rapid weakening of the N=28 shell effect below $_{2…
The r-process in the high entropy bubble
We examined the r-process in the high entropy bubble within a detailed parameter study. Previous investigations ([1,2]) based on realistic supernovae models showed already that this model yields a very good fit to the solar system r-process abundance curve for masses above A = 120. For A < 120 their fit was relatively poor. We are concerned mainly with the question whether it is possible to obtain a good fit in the range below A = 120. Within a simple approach of an adiabatically expanding sphere we analyzed a broad parameter range, independent of specific explosion simulations. We varyied the electron abundance Ye and the entropy S and studied the resulting contributions as a function of t…
r‐Process Abundances and Chronometers in Metal‐poor Stars
Rapid neutron-capture (i.e., r-process) nucleosynthesis calculations, employing internally consistent and physically realistic nuclear physics input (QRPA beta-decay rates and the ETFSI-Q nuclear mass model), have been made. These calculations are compared with ground-based and HST observations of neutron-capture elements in the metal poor halo stars CS 22892--052, HD 115444, HD 122563 and HD 126238. The elemental abundances in all four metal-poor stars are consistent with the solar r-process elemental distribution for the elements Z >/= 56. These results strongly suggest, at least for those elements, that the relative elemental r-process abundances have not changed over the history of t…
Interpretation of the Solar 48Ca/46Ca Abundance Ratio and the Correlated Ca-Ti-Cr Isotopic Anomalies in Inclusions of the Allende Meteorite
In the past, astrophysical models encountered severe difficulties in explaining the solar 46,48Ca abundances or the correlated Ca-Ti-Cr isotopic anomalies observed in inclusions of the Allende meteorite [1–3]. Among the various attempts. SANDLER et al. [4] suggested the production of neutron-rich stable Ca-Ti-Cr isotopes in a high neutron density environment of ~107 mol/cm3 with a neutron-exposure time of 10 s. Assuming the initial abundances to be solar and applying Hauser-Feshbach neutron-capture crosa sections, the above authors have calculated a 48Ca/46Ca abundance ratio which is only a factor of 2.6 smaller than the observed solar value of 56. However, the predicted isotopic anomalies …
The endpoint of the rp-process
Abstract The endpoint of rp-process nucleosynthesis in X-ray bursts determines the fuel consumption, the energy generation, and the abundance pattern of the produced nuclei. To investigate the time structure of rp-process nucleosynthesis, we used a nuclear reaction network including nuclei from H to Sn. We found that if 2p-capture reactions are included, the synthesis of nuclei heavier than Kr proceeds faster than previously thought. Therefore, in most X-ray bursts large amounts of nuclei in the A=80–100 region are expected to be produced. With an escape factor of about 1%, X-ray bursts could account for the large observed solar system abundances of the light p-nuclei like 92 Mo and 96 Ru t…
Reaction Rates in the RP-Process and Nucleosynthesis in Novae
Nuclear structure information available on proton rich unstable nuclei were used to evaluate thermonuclear reaction rates in the rp-process in explosive hydrogen burning. These rates were applied in a systematic analysis for a variety of temperature conditions, appropriate to nova explosions, to study nucleosynthesis for isotopes of Ne Na Mg Al Si. The results are discussed in comparison with recent observations of elemental abundances in nova ejecta.
R-Process Abundances and Nuclear Properties Far from Stability
Recent measurements of β-decay properties of the ‘waiting-point’ nuclei 79Cu, 80Zn and 130Cd, together with new QRPA shell-model predictions of so far unknown N ≃ 50 and N ≃ 82 isotopes in the r-process path, have allowed to explain the detailed isotopic composition in the A ≃ 80 and A ≃ 130 r-abundance peaks. The correlation between nuclear data far from stability and r-abundances suggests that the r-process involves a high-neutron-density β-flow equilibrium environment. Based on these results, the r-process components of nuclei in the 90 ≤ A ≤ 100 mass range were predicted for freeze-out conditions (nn ≃ 1020, T9 ≃ 1) and compared to the solar-system r-process abundances.
Operation of the r-process and cosmochronology
Abstract The rapid neutron capture process produced about half of the heavy elements in nature beyond the Fe-peak. In the past quite a number of astrophysical sites have been suggested, but none of them has yet been uniquely identified. Without assuming a particular site or model, we deduce the conditions responsible for the production of r-process nuclei by making use of the following information: (1) the solar r-process abundances and (2) nuclear masses and beta decay half lives for nuclei far from stability - in particular experimental information near magic neutron numbers, which determines the shape of the r-process peaks. In addition, we review briefly galactic age determinations base…
Nuclear Level Density and the Determination of Thermonuclear Rates for Astrophysics
The prediction of cross sections for nuclei far off stability is crucial in the field of nuclear astrophysics. We discuss the model mostly employed for such calculations: the statistical model (Hauser-Feshbach). Special emphasis is put on the uncertainties arising from nuclear level density descriptions and an improved global description is presented. Furthermore, criteria for the applicability of the statistical model are investigated and a "map" for the applicability of the model to reactions of stable and unstable nuclei with neutral and charged particles is given.
Women Scientists Who Made Nuclear Astrophysics
Female role models reduce the impact on women of stereotype threat, i.e. of being at risk of conforming to a negative stereotype about one’s social, gender, or racial group (Fine in Delusion of Gender. W.W. Norton & Co. NY, p. 36, 2010 [1]; Steele and Aronson in J Pers Soc Psychol 69:797–811, 1995 [2]). This can lead women scientists to underperform or to leave their scientific career because of negative stereotypes such as, not being as talented or as interested in science as men. Sadly, history rarely provides role models for women scientists; instead, it often renders these women invisible (CafeBabel Homepage [3]). In response to this situation, we present a selection of twelve outst…
Nuclear structure studies for the astrophysical r-process
Abstract The production of the heaviest elements in nature occurs via the r-process, i.e. a combination of rapid neutron captures, the inverse photodisintegrations, and slower β − -decays, β -delayed processes as well as fission and possibly interactions with intense neutrino fluxes. A correct understanding and modeling requires the knowledge of nuclear properties far from stability and a detailed prescription of the astrophysical environment. Experiments at radioactive ion beam facilities have played a pioneering role in exploring the characteristics of nuclear structure in terms of masses and β -decay properties. Initial examinations paid attention to highly unstable nuclei with magic neu…