Time scales of the s process - from minutes to ages

TL;DR

This paper discusses the various time scales of the s process in stellar nucleosynthesis, highlighting recent advances and collaborative efforts in measuring stellar neutron capture cross sections to understand solar system composition.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive analysis of s-process time scales using new stellar (n, gamma) cross sections, advancing understanding of nucleosynthesis and solar system material.

Findings

Development of reliable stellar neutron capture cross sections.

Enhanced understanding of s-process scenarios and their time scales.

Implications for solar system composition and astronomical observations.

Abstract

A discussion of the time scales in the s process appears to be an approriate aspect to discuss at the occasion of 70th anniversary of Roberto Gallino, the more as this subject has been repeatedly addressed during the 20 years of collaboration between Torino and Karlsruhe. The two chronometers presented in this text were selected to illustrate the intense mutual stimulation of both groups. Based on a reliable set of accurate stellar (n, gamma) cross sections determined mostly at FZK, the Torino group succeeded to develop a comprehensive picture of the various s-process scenarios, which are most valuable for understanding the composition of the solar system as well as for the interpretation of an increasing number of astronomical observations.