Nuclear Resonances: The quest for large column densities and a new tool

TL;DR

This paper discusses using nuclear resonance absorption lines as a novel method to probe astrophysical environments, enabled by improved gamma-ray detection technology, with applications including early universe gamma-ray bursts and active galactic nuclei.

Contribution

It introduces nuclear resonance absorption lines as a new observational tool in astrophysics, leveraging recent technological advancements in gamma-ray sensitivity.

Findings

Potential to measure gamma-ray bursts from first stars at high redshifts

Enhanced gamma-ray detection sensitivity enables this new method

Application to active galactic nuclei is promising

Abstract

Nuclear physics offers us a powerful tool: using nuclear resonance absorption lines to infer the physical conditions in astrophysical settings which are otherwise difficult to deduce. Present-day technology provides an increase in sensitivity over previous gamma-ray missions large enough to utilize this tool for the first time. The most exciting promise is to measure gamma-ray bursts from the first star(s) at redshifts 20-60, but also active galactic nuclei are promising targets.