The Influence Of Neutron Capture Rates On The Rare Earth Region Of The r-Process Abundance Pattern

TL;DR

This paper investigates how neutron capture rates affect the formation of the rare earth element abundance pattern in the r-process, introducing new concepts to identify influential nuclear reactions under high entropy conditions.

Contribution

It introduces the concepts of large nuclear flow and flow saturation to determine influential neutron capture rates in the rare earth region of the r-process.

Findings

Identifies key neutron capture rates affecting rare earth abundances.

Shows how these rates influence nuclear flow and abundance patterns.

Highlights the importance of specific isotopes under high entropy conditions.

Abstract

We study the sensitivity of the r-process abundance pattern to neutron capture rates along the rare earth region (A~150 to A~180). We introduce the concepts of large nuclear flow and flow saturation which determine the neutron capture rates that are influential in setting the rare earth abundances. We illustrate the value of the two concepts by considering high entropy conditions favorable for rare earth peak production and identifying important neutron capture rates among the rare earth isotopes. We also show how these rates influence nuclear flow and specific sections of the abundance pattern.