Large-Scale Calculations of $β$-Decay Rates and Implications for $r$-Process Nucleosynthesis
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| Format: | Preprint |
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2025
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| _version_ | 1866917089978089472 |
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| author | Ravlić, A. Saito, Y. Nazarewicz, W. |
| author_facet | Ravlić, A. Saito, Y. Nazarewicz, W. |
| contents | Nuclear $β$ decay is a key element of the astrophysical rapid neutron capture process ($r$-process). In this paper, we present state-of-the-art global $β$-decay calculations based on the quantified relativistic nuclear energy density functional theory and the deformed proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation. Our analysis considers contributions from allowed and first-forbidden transitions. We used two point-coupling functionals with carefully calibrated time-odd terms and isoscalar pairing strength. The new calculations display consistent results for both employed functionals, especially near the neutron drip line, suggesting slower $β$ decays past the $N=126$ neutron shell closure than in commonly used $β$-decay models. The new rates, along with the existing rates based on the latest non-relativistic calculations, are found to slow down the synthesis of heavy elements in the $r$-process and significantly reduce the contribution of neutron-induced fission. |
| format | Preprint |
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arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2511_02999 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Large-Scale Calculations of $β$-Decay Rates and Implications for $r$-Process Nucleosynthesis Ravlić, A. Saito, Y. Nazarewicz, W. Nuclear Theory High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena Nuclear Experiment Nuclear $β$ decay is a key element of the astrophysical rapid neutron capture process ($r$-process). In this paper, we present state-of-the-art global $β$-decay calculations based on the quantified relativistic nuclear energy density functional theory and the deformed proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation. Our analysis considers contributions from allowed and first-forbidden transitions. We used two point-coupling functionals with carefully calibrated time-odd terms and isoscalar pairing strength. The new calculations display consistent results for both employed functionals, especially near the neutron drip line, suggesting slower $β$ decays past the $N=126$ neutron shell closure than in commonly used $β$-decay models. The new rates, along with the existing rates based on the latest non-relativistic calculations, are found to slow down the synthesis of heavy elements in the $r$-process and significantly reduce the contribution of neutron-induced fission. |
| title | Large-Scale Calculations of $β$-Decay Rates and Implications for $r$-Process Nucleosynthesis |
| topic | Nuclear Theory High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena Nuclear Experiment |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2511.02999 |