Reactions in X-Ray Bursts: New Constraints from Direct Measurements
Dr. Melina Avila Coronado
Physicist-Experimentalist
Argonne National Laboratory
Type I X-ray bursts provide a unique environment for explosive nucleosynthesis driven by sequences of proton captures, a-induced reactions, and b-decays on proton-rich nuclei. The competition among these processes governs the breakout from the hot CNO cycles, the subsequent reaction flow along the rp- and ap-processes, and ultimately the burst light curve and energy generation. Reliable modeling of these events therefore depends on accurate nuclear reaction rates over a wide range of unstable nuclei.
Many of the most important reactions in X-ray bursts remain poorly constrained experimentally. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies are often hindered by small cross sections and limited radioactive beam intensities. Recent advances in radioactive ion beam facilities and experimental techniques have created new opportunities to overcome these challenges, enabling direct measurements of astrophysically important reactions. In this presentation, I will highlight recent experimental progress on reactions relevant to X-ray bursts using the active-target detector MUSIC.
Hosted by Prof. Bardayan
Time Zone: ET
Zoom link: https://notredame.zoom.us/j/98477543171