Revision of the derivation of stellar rates from experiment and impact on Eu s-process contributions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new formalism for incorporating experimental data into stellar rate calculations, revealing larger uncertainties in neutron capture rates and demonstrating the impact on Eu s-process contributions in astrophysical models.

Contribution

It presents a general formalism for deriving stellar rates from experimental data, including revised uncertainties and a recommended workflow for astrophysical applications.

Findings

Uncertainties in neutron capture rates can exceed experimental errors.

The approach affects the interpretation of Eu isotope ratios in AGB star models.

A workflow for deriving stellar rates from experiments is proposed.

Abstract

A new, general formalism to include experimental data in revised stellar rates is discussed, containing revised uncertainties. Application to the s-process shows that the actual uncertainties in the neutron capture rates can be larger than would be expected from the experimental errors alone. As a specific example for how astrophysical conclusions can depend on the approach selected to derive stellar rates, the 151Eu/(151Eu+153Eu) abundance ratio from AGB star models is presented. Finally, a recommended workflow for the derivation of stellar rates from experiment is laid out.