Mass Measurement on the rp-Process Waiting Point 72Kr

The mass of one of the three major waiting points in the astrophysical rp process $^{72}$Kr was measured for the first time with the Penning trap mass spectrometer ISOLTRAP. The measurement yielded a relative mass uncertainty of $\deltam/m = 1.2\times 10–7 (\deltam$ = 8 keV). $^{73,74}$Kr, also needed for astrophysical calculations, were measured with more than 1 order of magnitude improved accuracy. We use the ISOLTRAP masses of $^{72–74}$Kr to reanalyze the role of $^{72}$Kr (T$_{1/2}$ = 17.2 s) in the rp process during x-ray bursts and conclude that $^{72}$Kr is a strong waiting point delaying the burst duration with at least 80\% of its $\beta$-decay half-life.

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…

Nuclear masses and the origin of the elements

Nuclear masses in astrophysics

Among all nuclear ground-state properties, atomic masses are highly specific for each particular combination of N and Z and the data obtained apply to a variety of physics topics. One of the most crucial questions to be addressed in mass spectrometry of unstable radionuclides is the one of understanding the processes of element formation in the Universe. To this end, accurate atomic mass values of a large number of exotic nuclei participating in nucleosynthesis are among the key input data in large-scale reaction network calculations. In this paper, a review on the latest achievements in mass spectrometry for nuclear astrophysics is given.

Low-lying level structure of Cu56 and its implications for the rp process

The low-lying energy levels of proton-rich Cu56 have been extracted using in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy with the state-of-the-art γ-ray tracking array GRETINA in conjunction with the S800 spectrograph at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. Excited states in Cu56 serve as resonances in the Ni55(p,γ)Cu56 reaction, which is a part of the rp process in type-I x-ray bursts. To resolve existing ambiguities in the reaction Q value, a more localized isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME) fit is used, resulting in Q=639±82 keV. We derive the first experimentally constrained thermonuclear reaction rate for Ni55(p,γ)Cu56. We find that, with this new rate, the …

r -process nucleosynthesis: connecting rare-isotope beam facilities with the cosmos

This is an exciting time for the study of r-process nucleosynthesis. Recently, a neutron star merger GW170817 was observed in extraordinary detail with gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from radio to gamma rays. The very red color of the associated kilonova suggests that neutron star mergers are an important r-process site. Astrophysical simulations of neutron star mergers and core collapse supernovae are making rapid progress. Detection of both, electron neutrinos and antineutrinos from the next galactic supernova will constrain the composition of neutrino-driven winds and provide unique nucleosynthesis information. Finally FRIB and other rare-isotope beam facilities will s…

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.

Nuclear structure theory for the astrophysical rp-process and r-process

Abstract The astrophysical processes of rapid-proton capture and rapid-neutron capture require the knowledge of many nuclear properties which are not known from experiment. I will describe two examples of how theoretical models are used to provide this input. The first of these uses the Hartree-Fock method for displacement energies to obtain the masses of proton-rich nuclei needed for the rp-process. The second uses a model for configuration mixing near 132 Sn to provide Q values and beta-decay lifetimes for the r-process.

Plastic Scintillation Detectors for Time-of-Flight Mass Measurements

Fast timing detectors are an essential element in the experimental setup for time-of-flight (ToF) mass measurements of unstable nuclei. We have upgraded the scintillator detectors used in experiments at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) by increasing the number of photomultiplier tubes that read out their light signals to four per detector, and characterized them in a test experiment with $^{48}$Ca beam at the NSCL. The new detectors achieved a time resolution ($\sigma$) of 7.5 ps. We systematically investigated different factors that affect their timing performance. In addition, we evaluated the ability of positioning the hitting points on the scintillator using the …

Mass measurements of neutron-deficient nuclei and their implications for astrophysics

During the years 2005-2010 the double-Penning-trap mass spectrometer JYFLTRAP has been used to measure the masses of 90 ground and 8 isomeric states of neutron-deficient nuclides with a typical precision of better than 10keV. The masses of 14 nuclides -- 84Zr , 88, 89Tc , 90-92Ru , 92-94Rh , 94, 95Pd , 106, 108, 110Sb -- have been experimentally determined for the first time. This article gives an overview on these measurements and their impact on the modeling of the astrophysical rp -process. peerReviewed

Structure And Decay Of Neutron-Rich Nuclides In The 115 ≤ A ≤ 138 Mass Range And r-Process Nucleosynthesis

The structure and decay of neutron‐rich r‐process nuclides has been studied by a variety of means that take advantage of enhanced selectivity to permit identification of exotic nuclides. New level structures are presented for 134,135Sb along with data for Ag isomers and Cd yrast structures. Some of the properties measured play an important role in calculations of the yields of elements and isotopes produced in r‐process nucleosynthesis that takes place at high temperature in the presence of large densities of neutrons.

Beta-decay half-lives of $^{70}$Kr and $^{74}$Rb

Abstract Beta-decay half-lives of two nuclei close to N = Z line, 70 Kr and 74 Rb, have been measured at the ISOLDE mass-separator facility at CERN. Importance of these half-lives on two ingredients explaining existence and development of the Universe, the astrophysical nucleosynthesis and the Standard Model, are discussed.

First isochronous mass spectrometry at the experimental storage ring ESR

Short-lived exotic nuclei can be produced and separated with the high-energy secondary nuclear beam facility FRS at GSI. These nuclides can be injected and stored in the storage ring ESR. The lower lifetime limit of the presently existing methods for mass measurements on these nuclides at the ESR is about a few seconds. We have developed and investigated an isochronous operational mode of the ESR, that makes mass measurements of nuclides with lifetimes down to a few ls feasible. It has been commissioned in experiments using long-lived nuclides with known masses. A mass resolving power of about 150 000 has been achieved in a "rst pilot experiment. A suitable detector system has been implemen…

New experimental efforts along the rp-process path

The level structure just above the proton threshold of the nucleus 30S has been studied using the neutron removal process on fast radioactive beams at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University. In this work we provide a description of the experimental setup. The present status of the analysis is also discussed.

β-decay half-life of70Kr: A bridge nuclide for therpprocess beyondA=70

The -decay half-life of 70 Kr has been measured for the first time at the ISOLDE PSB Facility at CERN. Mass separated 70 Kr ions were produced by 1 GeV proton induced spallation reactions in a Nb foil. The measured half-life is 57(21) ms. This value is consistent with the half-life calculated assuming a pure Fermi decay, but is clearly lower than the value used in a recent rp-process reaction flow calculation. The result shows that the reaction flow via two-proton-capture of 68 Se is 2.5 times faster than previously calculated assuming an astrophysical temperature of 1.5 GK and a density of 10 6 g/cm 3 .

Nuclear Structure Properties of Neutron Rich Ge-Br Isotopes in the Astrophysical r-Process

The astrophysical r-process is responsible for synthesis of roughly half of the elements heavier than iron. In spite of this significance, there are many uncertainties regarding the site of the r-process and the neutron-rich nuclei involved. Studying these nuclei presents a challenge, as they lie far from the valley of stability. Nuclear properties such as β decay half-lives and βdelayed neutron emission probabilities are critical inputs for r-process models. The neutron rich Ge-Br isotopes are in the region just after the N=50 bottle neck in the “classical” r-process, or may serve as seed material for the high entropy neutrino-wind r-process. Neutron rich nuclei play an important role in b…

β-decay measurements ofA≃ 70 − 110 r-process nuclei at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory

The present paper reports on several r-process motivated β-decay experiments undertaken at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. β-decay half-lives and β-delayed neutron-emission probabilities were measured for nuclei around the r-process A = 70–80 and A = 90 – 110 mass regions. The data are discussed on the basis of quasi-random phase approximation calculations. The emphasis is made on the impact of these data upon calculations of r-process abundances.

Selective laser ionization of very neutron-rich cadmium isotopes: Decay properties of131Cd83and132Cd84

A chemically selective laser ion source has been applied in a decay study of the very neutron-rich isotopes ${}^{131}\mathrm{Cd}$ and ${}^{132}\mathrm{Cd}$ at CERN/ISOLDE. For the ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay of the $N=83$ nuclide ${}^{131}\mathrm{Cd}$ a surprisingly short half-life of $(68\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3)$ ms and a weak delayed-neutron branch of ${P}_{n}=(3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0)%$ were observed. For the $N=84$ nuclide ${}^{132}\mathrm{Cd}$ a half-life of $(97\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10)$ ms and a ${P}_{n}$ value of $(60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}15)%$ were obtained. Schematic features of both decay schemes are developed. We find that our new d…

Radioactive ion beams in the region of 100Sn and 78Ni at the NSCL

The regions around the doubly magic nuclei 100 Sn and 78 Ni are of great interest from a nuclear structure standpoint. These nuclei also play a key role in the astrophysical rp- and r-processes, respectively. Recently, nuclei in these regions were studied at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University.

β-decay studies of r-process nuclei at NSCL

Abstract Observed neutron-capture elemental abundances in metal-poor stars, along with ongoing analysis of the extremely metal-poor Eu-enriched sub-class provide new guidance for astrophysical models aimed at finding the r-process sites. The present paper emphasizes the importance of nuclear physics parameters entering in these models, particularly β -decay properties of neutron-rich nuclei. In this context, several r-process motivated β -decay experiments performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) are presented, including a summary of results and impact on model calculations.

β-decay half-lives andβ-delayed neutron emission probabilities of nuclei in the regionA≲110, relevant for the r process

Measurements of $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay properties of $A\ensuremath{\lesssim}110$ r-process nuclei have been completed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay half-lives for $^{105}\mathrm{Y}$, $^{106,107}\mathrm{Zr}$, and $^{111}\mathrm{Mo}$, along with $\ensuremath{\beta}$-delayed neutron emission probabilities of $^{104}\mathrm{Y}$, $^{109,110}\mathrm{Mo}$ and upper limits for $^{105}\mathrm{Y}$, $^{103\ensuremath{-}107}\mathrm{Zr}$, and $^{108,111}\mathrm{Mo}$ have been measured for the first time. Studies on the basis of the quasi-random-phase approximation are used to analyze the ground-state deformation of these…

β-Decay Studies Close to the N=82 r-process Path

New half-lives for neutron-rich ruthenium, rhodium and palladium isotopes close to the r-process path along the N=82 closed shell have been measured at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. The studied isotopes are close to the critical A=118-126 mass region in the astrophysical r-process, where incorrect nuclear structure development towards the shell closure may have the most pronounced effect on the abundances of elements produced. Neutron-rich nuclei were produced by fragmentation of a 120-MeV per nucleon 136 Xe beam on Be and were separated by the A1900 fragment separator. The nuclei of interest were implanted into a double-sided Si strip detec…

Improving the nuclear physics input along the rp-process path

The level structure of 30 S was studied at the NSCL by using neutron removal reactions with a radioactive 31 S beam. The γ -decay from excited states in 30 S was measured in a Ge-detector array. The results discussed for this work will reduce the uncertainties in the determination of the astrophysical 29 P(p, γ ) 30 S reaction rate under rp -process conditions.

Mass Measurements of Very Neutron-Deficient Mo and Tc Isotopes and Their Impact on rp Process Nucleosynthesis

The masses of ten proton-rich nuclides, including the N=Z+1 nuclides 85-Mo and 87-Tc, were measured with the Penning trap mass spectrometer SHIPTRAP. Compared to the Atomic Mass Evaluation 2003 a systematic shift of the mass surface by up to 1.6 MeV is observed causing significant abundance changes of the ashes of astrophysical X-ray bursts. Surprisingly low alpha-separation energies for neutron-deficient Mo and Tc are found, making the formation of a ZrNb cycle in the rp process possible. Such a cycle would impose an upper temperature limit for the synthesis of elements beyond Nb in the rp process.

Isomeric state of 80Y and its role in the rp-process

The HIGISOL facility has been used to investigate carefully the isomeric transition 228.5 keV in 80Y. We have measured the electron internal conversion coefficient for this transition αK = 0.50 ± 0.07 which gives the value for half-life of “bare” isomeric state T 1/2 = 6.8 ± 0.5 s. The isomeric state should play an important role in the rp-process calculations.

Nucleosynthesis of proton-rich nuclei. Experimental results on the rp-process

Experience NSCL; International audience; We report in this study the nuclear properties of proton-rich isotopes located along the rp-process path. The experiments have recently been performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University. The level properties above the proton separation energy of the nuclei 30S, 36K and 37Ca were measured with precision of < 10 keV. This will allow a reduction in the determination of the astrophysical (p, ) reaction rate under rp-process conditions.

Observatory science with eXTP

Disponible preprint en: arXiv:1812.04023v1 [astro-ph.HE] [v1] Mon, 10 Dec 2018 19:00:52 UTC (4,376 KB)

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…

The neutron long counter NERO for studies of neutron emission in the r-process

Abstract The neutron long counter NERO was built at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University, for measuring β -delayed neutron-emission probabilities. The detector was designed to work in conjunction with a β -delay implantation station, so that β decays and β -delayed neutrons emitted from implanted nuclei can be measured simultaneously. The high efficiency of about 40%, for the range of energies of interest, along with the small background, are crucial for measuring β -delayed neutron emission branchings for neutron-rich r-process nuclei produced as low intensity fragmentation beams in in-flight separator facilities.

Single-particle shell strengths near the doubly magic nucleus 56Ni and the 56Ni(p,γ)57Cu reaction rate in explosive astrophysical burning

Angle-integrated cross-section measurements of the $^{56}$Ni(d,n) and (d,p) stripping reactions have been performed to determine the single-particle strengths of low-lying excited states in the mirror nuclei pair $^{57}$Cu-$^{57}$Ni situated adjacent to the doubly magic nucleus $^{56}$Ni. The reactions were studied in inverse kinematics utilizing a beam of radioactive $^{56}$Ni ions in conjunction with the GRETINA $\gamma$-array. Spectroscopic factors are compared with new shell-model calculations using a full $pf$ model space with the GPFX1A Hamiltonian for the isospin-conserving strong interaction plus Coulomb and charge-dependent Hamiltonians. These results were used to set new constrain…

Dense matter with eXTP

In this White Paper we present the potential of the Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) mission for determining the nature of dense matter; neutron star cores host an extreme density regime which cannot be replicated in a terrestrial laboratory. The tightest statistical constraints on the dense matter equation of state will come from pulse profile modelling of accretion-powered pulsars, burst oscillation sources, and rotation-powered pulsars. Additional constraints will derive from spin measurements, burst spectra, and properties of the accretion flows in the vicinity of the neutron star. Under development by an international Consortium led by the Institute of High Energy Physics o…

Isomeric state of $^{80}$Y and its role in the astrophysical rp-process

5 pages, 7 figures.-- PACS nrs: 21.10.Tg; 23.20.Nx; 27.50.+e.

Mass Measurement on therp-Process Waiting PointKr72

With the aim of improving nucleosynthesis calculations, we performed for the first time, a direct high-precision mass measurement on the waiting point in the astrophysical rp-process 72Kr. We used the ISOLTRAP Penning trap mass spectrometer located at ISOLDE/CERN. The measurement yielded a relative mass uncertainty of δm/m = 1.2×10-7. In addition, the masses of 73Kr and 74Kr were measured directly with relative mass uncertainties of 1.0×10-7 and 3×10-8, respectively. We analyzed the role of 72Kr in the rp-process during X-ray bursts using the ISOLTRAP and previous mass values of 72-74Kr.

Quenching of the SnSbTe Cycle in therpProcess

The nuclides 104-108Sn, 106-110Sb, 108,109Te, and 111I at the expected endpoint of the astrophysical rp process have been produced in 58Ni+natNi fusion-evaporation reactions at IGISOL and their mass values were precisely measured with the JYFLTRAP Penning trap mass spectrometer. For 106Sb, 108Sb, and 110Sb these are the first direct experimental mass results obtained. The related one-proton separation energies have been derived and the value for 106Sb, Sp=424(8) keV, shows that the branching into the closed SnSbTe cycle in the astrophysical rp process is weaker than expected.

Determining therp-Process Flow throughNi56: Resonances inCu57(p,γ)Zn58Identified with GRETINA

An approach is presented to experimentally constrain previously unreachable (p, γ) reaction rates on nuclei far from stability in the astrophysical rp process. Energies of all critical resonances in the (57)Cu(p,γ)(58)Zn reaction are deduced by populating states in (58)Zn with a (d, n) reaction in inverse kinematics at 75 MeV/u, and detecting γ-ray-recoil coincidences with the state-of-the-art γ-ray tracking array GRETINA and the S800 spectrograph at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. The results reduce the uncertainty in the (57)Cu(p,γ) reaction rate by several orders of magnitude. The effective lifetime of (56)Ni, an important waiting point in the rp process in x-ray burst…

Half-Life of the Doubly Magicr-Process NucleusN78i

Nuclei with magic numbers serve as important benchmarks in nuclear theory. In addition, neutron-rich nuclei play an important role in the astrophysical rapid neutron-capture process (r process). 78Ni is the only doubly magic nucleus that is also an important waiting point in the r process, and serves as a major bottleneck in the synthesis of heavier elements. The half-life of 78Ni has been experimentally deduced for the first time at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University, and was found to be 110(+100)(-60) ms. In the same experiment, a first half-life was deduced for 77Ni of 128(+27)(-33) ms, and more precise half-li…