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Beta-delayed fission and neutron emission: Consequences for the astrophysicalr-process and the age of the galaxy

  • Nuclei
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Zeitschrift für Physik A Atoms and Nuclei

Abstract

Beta-delayed neutron emission and beta-delayed fission probabilities (P n andP β d j ) were calculated for neutron-rich nuclei between the beta stability line and the neutron-drip line in the range 10≦Z≦100 and 75≦Z≦100, respectively. These results were obtained by applying recentβ-strength function calculations, fission barrier height predictions, and a neutron optical potential from infinite nuclear matter calculations.

An area of ∼100% fission probability is predicted around Z=94,N=168 extending beyond the well-known island of spontaneous fission in that region.

Astrophysicalr-process calculations were performed including the calculatedP n and Pβ d f values. This puts the method to determine the age of the Galaxy by the actinide chronometers on a reliable basis. An excellent overall agreement with the observedr-abundance distribution is obtained. The predictedr-process production ratios for the Chronometrie pairs232Th/238U,235U/238U and244Pu/238U result in an age of the Galaxy oft G =(20.8± 24 )×109 a, which is by almost a factor two larger than earlier predictions by this method, but in accordance with recent astronomical observations from globular clusters.

The predicted island of 100%β-delayed fission acts as a sink to ther-process with the consequence that no superheavy elements are produced in nature.

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  1. F. -K. Thielemann

    Present address: Max-Planck-Institut für Physik und Astrophysik, Institut für Astrophysik, D-8046, Garching b. München, FRG

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  1. Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

    F. -K. Thielemann, J. Metzinger & H. V. Klapdor

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Additional information

This work benefited from several discussions with D. Habs, V. Metag, Wolschin and H.C. Pauli concerning nuclear fission. We want to thank D.D. Clayton, R. Ward and D. Guillemaud for unpublished data, further D.D.C. and R.W. for suggestions about ther-abundances of Pb and Bi and very helpful comments. We thank also F. Begemann and H. Palme for valuable discussions. J. Ray helped to find track to meteoritic literatur and continuous discussions with W. Hillebrandt about incorporated astrophysical questions were a constant support for this work.

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Thielemann, F.K., Metzinger, J. & Klapdor, H.V. Beta-delayed fission and neutron emission: Consequences for the astrophysicalr-process and the age of the galaxy. Z Physik A 309, 301–317 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01413833

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