Propagating Uncertainties from Nuclear Physics to Gamma-rays in Core Collapse Supernovae

TL;DR

This paper reviews how uncertainties in nuclear physics and astrophysics affect the use of supernova nucleosynthetic yields as probes for supernova mechanisms, dense matter, and neutrino physics, emphasizing the need for improved models and experiments.

Contribution

It identifies key uncertainties in modeling supernova yields and discusses strategies to reduce them, enhancing the potential of gamma-ray observations for astrophysical and nuclear physics insights.

Findings

Uncertainties in nuclear physics impact yield predictions.

Astrophysical modeling simplifications contribute to yield uncertainties.

Combining experiments and theory can minimize nuclear uncertainties.

Abstract

Nuclear yields are powerful probes of supernova explosions, their engines and their progenitors. In addition, as we improve our understanding of these explosions, we can use nuclear yields to probe dense matter and neutrino physics, both of which play a critical role in the central supernova engine. Especially with upcoming gamma-ray detectors that can directly detect radioactive isotopes out to increasing distances from gamma-rays emitted during their decay, nuclear yields have the potential to provide some of the most direct probes of supernova engines and stellar burning. To utilize these probes, we must understand and limit the uncertainties in their production. Uncertainties in the nuclear physics can be minimized by combining both laboratory experiments and nuclear theory. Similarly, astrophysical uncertainties caused by simplified explosion trajectories can be minimized by higher-fidelity stellar-evolution and supernova-engine models. This paper reviews the physics and astrophysics uncertainties in modeling nucleosynthetic yields, identifying the key areas of study needed to maximize the potential of supernova yields as probes of astrophysical transients and dense-matter physics.