Recent results in nuclear astrophysics

Abstract

In this review, we emphasize the interplay between astrophysical observations, modeling, and nuclear physics laboratory experiments. Several important nuclear cross sections for astrophysics have long been identified e.g. 12C(alpha,gamma)16O for stellar evolution, or 13C(alpha,n)16O and 22Ne(alpha,n)25Mg as neutron sources for the s-process. More recently, observations of lithium abundances in the oldest stars, or of nuclear gamma-ray lines from space, have required new laboratory experiments. New evaluation of thermonuclear reaction rates now includes the associated rate uncertainties that are used in astrophysical models to i) estimate final uncertainties on nucleosynthesis yields and ii) identify those reactions that require further experimental investigation. Sometimes direct cross section measurements are possible, but more generally the use of indirect methods is compulsory in view of the very low cross sections. Non-thermal processes are often overlooked but are also important for nuclear astrophysics, e.g. in gamma-ray emission from solar flares or in the interaction of cosmic rays with matter, and also motivate laboratory experiments. Finally, we show that beyond the historical motivations of nuclear astrophysics, understanding i) the energy sources that drive stellar evolution and ii) the origin of the elements can also be used to give new insights into physics beyond the standard model.

arXiv comment38 pages, 33 Figures, invited review

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• Astronuclear Physics: a Tale of the Atomic Nuclei in the Skies
• Elastic $\alpha$-${}^{12}$C scattering at low energies in cluster effective field theory
• Elastic $\alpha$-${}^{12}$C scattering at low energies with the bound states of ${}^{16}$O in effective field theory
• The $S_{E1}$ factor of radiative $\alpha$ capture on ${}^{12}$C in cluster effective field theory
• Cluster effective field theory and nuclear reactions
• The $S$ matrices of elastic $\alpha$-${}^{12}$C scattering at low energies in effective field theory
• Elastic $\alpha$-${}^{12}$C scattering at low energies with the sharp resonant $0_3^{+}$ state of ${}^{16}$O
• New determination of proton spectroscopic factors and reduced widths for ${}^8$Be states in the $16.5-18.0$ MeV excitation energy region via the study of the ${}^7$Li(${}^3$He,d)${}^8$Be transfer reaction at E${}_{lab}$ $=20$ MeV
• Fixing effective range parameters in elastic $\alpha$-${}^{12}$C scattering: an impact on resonant $2_4^{+}$ state of ${}^{16}$O and $S_{E2}$ factor of ${}^{12}$C($\alpha$,$\gamma$)${}^{16}$O