The role of excited states in rp-process for sd shell nuclei

TL;DR

This paper explores how excited nuclear states influence proton capture rates in hot stars, revealing significant effects on nucleosynthesis predictions for sd-shell nuclei.

Contribution

It identifies additional sd-shell nuclei with large stellar enhancement factors affecting rp-process nucleosynthesis, expanding previous understanding.

Findings

Proton capture on excited states significantly impacts rp-process nucleosynthesis.

Several sd-shell nuclei exhibit large stellar enhancement factors.

Uncertainty in nucleosynthesis models due to excited states is highlighted.

Abstract

We investigate the importance of proton capture on low-lying excited states that are thermally excited in hot stellar environments. In addition to the previously known case of $^{32}$Cl$(p,\gamma)^{33}$Ar we find several other sd-shell nuclei with large stellar enhancement factors. We discuss the uncertainty this introduces into rp-process nucleosynthesis.