Astrophysical Models of r-Process Nucleosynthesis: An Update

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent developments in astrophysical models of r-process nucleosynthesis, highlighting potential sources like supernovae and neutron star mergers, and their relevance across different metallicities.

Contribution

It provides an updated overview of astrophysical r-process models, emphasizing the role of neutrino-induced processes and neutron star mergers at various metallicities.

Findings

Neutrino-induced r process may occur in supernova helium shells at low metallicities.

Neutron star mergers are likely necessary for r process at higher metallicities.

Multiple astrophysical sites contribute to r-process nucleosynthesis.

Abstract

An update on astrophysical models for nucleosynthesis via rapid neutron capture, the r process, is given. A neutrino-induced r process in supernova helium shells may have operated up to metallicities of ~10^-3 times the solar value. Another r-process source, possibly neutron star mergers, is required for higher metallicities.