November 22, 2024

Neutrino Alchemy Unveils Rare Elements in Cosmic Explosions

As the temperature of the material decreases, heavier nuclei are produced from lighter nuclei by a sequence of neutron captures and weak interaction processes.However, different from the quick neutron capture process, in which the weak responses are beta-decays, for the νr-process they are neutrino absorption responses. Once the complimentary neutrons are exhausted, even more neutrino absorption responses convert neutrons bound in nuclei into protons pushing the produced nuclei towards and even beyond the beta-stability line.The p-nuclei are marked in red.” Our finding opens a brand-new possibility to discuss the origin of p-nuclei through neutrino absorption reactions on nuclei,” says Zewei Xiong, scientist at GSI/FAIR Nuclear Astrophysics and Structure Department and the matching author of the publication.Identifying the Stellar EnvironmentHaving identified the series of reactions that drive the νr-process, the type of outstanding explosion where it takes place remains to be determined.

As the temperature of the material reduces, heavier nuclei are produced from lighter nuclei by a series of neutron captures and weak interaction processes.However, various from the fast neutron capture procedure, in which the weak responses are beta-decays, for the νr-process they are neutrino absorption reactions. Once the totally free neutrons are tired, further neutrino absorption responses convert neutrons bound in nuclei into protons pressing the produced nuclei towards and even beyond the beta-stability line.The p-nuclei are marked in red.” Our finding opens a new possibility to explain the origin of p-nuclei through neutrino absorption reactions on nuclei,” states Zewei Xiong, scientist at GSI/FAIR Nuclear Astrophysics and Structure Department and the matching author of the publication.Identifying the Stellar EnvironmentHaving determined the series of reactions that drive the νr-process, the type of stellar surge where it happens remains to be recognized.