ISSN:
1572-9540
Keywords:
nuclear astrophysics
;
r-process nucleosynthesis
;
isotope and isomer separation via HF splitting
;
laser ion source
;
nuclear structure
;
neutron-rich isotopes
;
ultra-metal-poor halo stars
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
Abstract The focus of the present review is the production of the heaviest elements in nature via the r-process. A correct understanding and modeling requires the knowledge of nuclear properties far from stability and a detailed prescription of the astrophysical environment. Experiments at CERN/ISOLDE have played a pioneering role in exploring the characteristics of nuclear structure in terms of masses and β-decay properties. Initial examinations paid attention to far unstable nuclei with magic neutron numbers related to r-process peaks, while present activities are centered on the evolution of shell effects with the distance from the valley of stability. We first show in site-independent applications the effect of both types of nuclear properties on r-process abundances. Then, we explore the results of calculations related to two different “realistic”astrophysical sites, (i) the supernova neutrino wind and (ii) neutron star mergers. We close with a list of remaining theoretical and experimental challenges needed to overcome for a full understanding of the nature of the r-process, and the role CERN/ISOLDE can play in this process.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1012694723985
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