What the study found
Some r-process, or rapid neutron-capture, isotope residuals in the solar system remain significantly uncertain because uncertainties in s-process, or slow neutron-capture, abundances propagate into them.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say this is important because r-process residuals are used as a benchmark in stellar models of explosive nucleosynthesis, and revisiting key neutron-capture cross sections may refine that abundance pattern.
What the researchers tested
The researchers revisited the problem using a simplified approach based on the earlier multi-event s-process model of Goriely. They assumed that the relative uncertainty in s-process isotopic abundances scales linearly with Maxwellian Averaged Cross Section (MACS) uncertainties from the KADoNiS data libraries, and they used updated solar abundances from Lodders and s-process contributions from Bisterzo et al.
What worked and what didn't
Their analysis identified a short list of isotopes whose r-process residuals remain especially uncertain. Those isotopes are presented as prime candidates for improved neutron-capture ((n,γ), neutron capture with gamma-ray emission) measurements at CERN n_TOF.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed numerical results or list the isotopes in the summary provided here. It also states a simplified framework, so the conclusions are limited to the assumptions and input data used in this analysis.
Key points
- R-process residuals in solar isotopic abundances inherit uncertainty from s-process abundance uncertainties.
- The analysis uses a simplified version of a multi-event s-process model.
- Uncertainty in s-process abundances is assumed to scale linearly with MACS uncertainties from KADoNiS.
- A short list of isotopes is identified as especially uncertain in their r-process residuals.
- The authors present these isotopes as candidates for improved (n,γ) measurements at CERN n_TOF.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Neutron-capture uncertainties limit r-process residuals
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