Proton-rich nucleosynthesis and nuclear physics

TL;DR

This paper reviews how nuclear physics influences abundance patterns in explosive nucleosynthesis, focusing on the nu-p- and gamma-processes, and discusses uncertainties from reaction rates and Q-values.

Contribution

It highlights general nucleosynthesis features that are largely independent of astrophysical model specifics, emphasizing the role of nuclear physics.

Findings

Nuclear physics determines key abundance patterns in explosive nucleosynthesis.

Uncertainties in Q-values and reaction rates impact nucleosynthesis predictions.

General features of nu-p- and gamma-processes are identified across models.

Abstract

Although the detailed conditions for explosive nucleosynthesis are derived from astrophysical modeling, nuclear physics determines fundamental patterns in abundance yields, not only for equilibrium processes. Focussing on the nu-p- and the gamma-process, general nucleosynthesis features within the range of astrophysical models, but (mostly) independent of details in the modelling, are presented. Remaining uncertainties due to uncertain Q-values and reaction rates are discussed.