Neutron Capture Rates near A=130 which Effect a Global Change to the r-Process Abundance Distribution

TL;DR

This paper examines how neutron capture rates near A=130 influence the overall r-process abundance pattern, revealing their significant role in shaping nuclear element distributions.

Contribution

It identifies key neutron capture rates near A=130 that significantly affect the r-process abundance pattern, highlighting the importance of nonequilibrium processes.

Findings

Neutron capture rates near A=130 impact the entire abundance pattern.

Certain capture rates have a disproportionately large effect.

Nonequilibrium processes are crucial in abundance changes.

Abstract

We investigate the impact of neutron capture rates near the A=130 peak on the $r$-process abundance pattern. We show that these capture rates can alter the abundances of individual nuclear species, not only in the region of A=130 peak, but also throughout the abundance pattern. We discuss the nonequilibrium processes that produce these abundance changes and determine which capture rates have the most significant impact.