Cosmic Fireworks and Hidden Weights: A Neutron Star Odyssey
Chowdhury Irin Sultana
Ph.D. Student
Department of Physics
Central Michigan University
Neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binaries provide a powerful astrophysical laboratory where accreted material undergoes thermonuclear burning, producing observables like Type-I X-ray bursts (XRBs). XRBs are driven by nuclear reactions such as the triple-alpha process, the αp-process, and the rapid proton capture (rp) process. Understanding the interplay of these nucleosynthesis processes is crucial for accurately comparing theoretical models with observations. We investigate the impact of nuclear reaction rate uncertainties on XRBs using the ONEZONE model, considering different accreted compositions and accretion rates for the binary systems motivated by the observed parameter space. Sensitivities to the nuclear reaction rates affect the XRB light curve and ash production. As these ashes are compressed by subsequent accretion, their nuclear composition determines the thermal profile and structure of the crust, influencing long-term neutron star evolution. Nuclear masses play a crucial role in tracking the fate of burst ashes and the reactions under extreme densities. Mass measurements of neutron-rich isotopes, particularly around A=40, are vital for refining models of crust composition. This talk will outline how nuclear physics-through reaction rates and nuclear masses-links XRB observables to neutron star surface processes, emphasizing the role of experimental data in bridging model predictions with astrophysical observations.
Hosted by Prof. Brodeur
Zoom link: https://notredame.zoom.us/j/94991569606.
Originally published at isnap.nd.edu.