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Neutrino-nucleus interaction and supernova r-process nucleosynthesis

Y. -Z. Qian
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Abstract

We discuss various neutrino-nucleus interactions in connection with the supernova r-process nucleosynthesis, which possibly occurs in the neutrino-driven wind of a young neutron star. These interactions include absorptions of electron neutrinos and antineutrinos on free nucleons, electron-neutrino captures on neutron-rich nuclei, and neutral-current interactions of heavy-flavor neutrinos with alpha particles and neutron-rich nuclei. We describe how these interactions can affect the r-process nucleosynthesis and discuss the implications of their effects for the physical conditions leading to a successful supernova r-process. We conclude that a low electron fraction and/or a short dynamic time scale may be required to give the sufficient neutron-to-seed ratio for an r-process in the neutrino-driven wind. In the case of a short dynamic time scale, the wind has to be contained during the r-process. Possible mechanisms which can give a low electron fraction or contain the wind are discussed.

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Y. -Z. Qian. 1996-11-13. Neutrino-nucleus interaction and supernova r-process nucleosynthesis. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0375-9474(97)00272-8

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