$\bf ^{12}{C} + {}^{16}{O}$ molecular resonances at deep sub-barrier energy

TL;DR

This paper predicts new $^{12}{C} + {}^{16}{O}$ molecular resonances at deep sub-barrier energies using advanced nuclear modeling, addressing a key challenge in understanding stellar fusion processes.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical prediction of deep sub-barrier resonances in $^{12}{C} + {}^{16}{O}$ fusion, extending beyond previous experimental limitations.

Findings

Prediction of resonances with $J^ extpi=0^+$, $2^+$, and $4^+$ at deep sub-barrier energies.

Use of antisymmetrized molecular dynamics to reproduce known nuclear spectra.

Implications for nuclear astrophysics and stellar fusion models.

Abstract

The existence of $^{12}{\rm C} + {}^{16}{\rm O}$ molecular resonances at sub-barrier energy has been a significant problem in nuclear astrophysics because they strongly affect the $^{12}{\rm C} + {}^{16}{\rm O}$ fusion reaction rate in type Ia supernovae and heavy stars. However, experimental surveys have been limited to 4~MeV and cannot access the deep sub-barrier energy due to a very small fusion cross section. Here we predict a couple of resonances with $J^\pi=0^+$, $2^+$, and $4^+$ in the deep sub-barrier energy based on the antisymmetrized molecular dynamics calculation that reproduces the known resonances and low-lying spectrum of $^{28}{\rm Si}$.