The nu-process

TLDR

During core collapse of massive stars, intense neutrino fluxes in overlying heavy‑element shells induce substantial nuclear transmutation. Neutrinos excite heavy elements and helium to unbound states, causing neutron or proton evaporation whose back reactions modify traditional hydrostatic and explosive burning, establishing a new nu‑nucleosynthesis process. The results show that a large number of rare isotopes, including many odd‑Z nuclei from boron through copper, owe much of their present abundance in nature to this process. Published in The Astrophysical Journal, June 1990 (DOI: 10.1086/168839).

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (636) References (98) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The nu -Process Woosley, S. E. ; Hartmann, D. H. ; Hoffman, R. D. ; Haxton, W. C. Abstract As the core of a massive star collapses to form a neutron star, the flux of neutrinos in the overlying shells of heavy elements becomes so great that, despite the small cross section, substantial nuclear transmutation is induced. Neutrinos excite heavy elements and even helium to particle unbound levels. The evaporation of a single neutron or proton, and the back reaction of these nucleons on other species present, significantly alters the outcome of traditional nucleosynthesis calculations leading to a new process: nu-nucleosynthesis. Modifications to traditional hydrostatic and explosive varieties of helium, carbon, neon, oxygen, and silicon burning are considered. The results show that a large number of rare isotopes, including many of the odd-Z nuclei from boron through copper, owe much of their present abundance in nature to this process. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1990 DOI: 10.1086/168839 Bibcode: 1990ApJ...356..272W Keywords: Neutrinos; Neutron Stars; Nuclear Astrophysics; Nuclear Fusion; Supernovae; Cosmic Rays; Heavy Elements; Stellar Envelopes; Stellar Interiors; Stellar Mass; Astrophysics; NEUTRINOS; NUCLEAR REACTIONS; NUCLEOSYNTHESIS; STARS: INTERIORS; STARS: SUPERNOVAE full text sources ADS |