Nucleosynthesis in Type I X-ray Bursts

Abstract

Type I X-ray bursts are thermonuclear explosions that occur in the envelopes of accreting neutron stars. Detailed observations of these phenomena have prompted numerous studies in theoretical astrophysics and experimental nuclear physics since their discovery over 35 years ago. In this review, we begin by discussing key observational features of these phenomena that may be sensitive to the particular patterns of nucleosynthesis from the associated thermonuclear burning. We then summarize efforts to model type I X-ray bursts, with emphasis on determining the nuclear physics processes involved throughout these bursts. We discuss and evaluate limitations in the models, particularly with regard to key uncertainties in the nuclear physics input. Finally, we examine recent, relevant experimental measurements and outline future prospects to improve our understanding of these unique environments from observational, theoretical and experimental perspectives.

Accepted by Prog. Part. Nucl. Phys., 45 pages, 14 figures

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• Thermonuclear (type-I) X-ray bursts observed by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer
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Cited by in corpus (6)

• Multidimensional Modeling of Type I X-ray Bursts. II. Two-Dimensional Convection in a Mixed H/He Accretor
• Constraints on Bygone Nucleosynthesis of Accreting Neutron Stars
• Investigation of thermonuclear ${}^{18}$Ne($\alpha$,$p$)${}^{21}$Na rate via resonant elastic scattering of ${}^{21}$Na+$p$
• Examination of the role of the ${}^{14}$O($\alpha$,$p$)${}^{17}$F reaction rate in type I x-ray bursts
• Thermonuclear 42Ti(p,gamma)43V rate in type I X-ray bursts
• Reevaluation of thermonuclear reaction rate of 50Fe(p,gamma)51Co