Strong screening effects on resonant nuclear reaction $^{23}$Mg $(p,\gamma)$ $^{24}$Al in the surface of magnetars

TL;DR

This paper investigates how strong electron screening in superstrong magnetic fields affects the $^{23}$Mg $(p, \gamma)$ $^{24}$Al nuclear reaction on magnetar surfaces, revealing significant enhancement of reaction rates.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical analysis of electron screening effects in superstrong magnetic fields using the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac approximation, highlighting their impact on nuclear reaction rates.

Findings

Screening rates increase by two orders of magnitude due to SES in SMFs.

Strong electron screening significantly influences nuclear reactions on magnetar surfaces.

Theoretical framework applicable to nuclear processes in extreme magnetic environments.

Abstract

Based on the theory of relativistic superstrong magnetic fields(SMFs), by using the method of the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac approximations, we investigate the problem of strong electron screening(SES) in SMFs, and the influence of SES on the nuclear reaction of $^{23}$Mg $(p, \gamma)$$^{24}$Al. Our calculations show that the nuclear reaction will be markedly effected by the SES in SMFs in the surface of magnetars. Our calculated screening rates can increase two orders of magnitude due to SES in SMFs.