Macroscopic-microscopic fission yields for nucleosynthesis

ORAL

Abstract

The rapid neutron capture process (r-process) is believe to synthesize the heaviest elements found on the periodic table. This remarkable process is believed to occur in exotic environments such as compact object mergers and possibly supernovae. In the most neutron-rich components of explosive outflows, nuclear fission, or the splitting of heavy nucleus into smaller lighter fragments, may play a crucial role in directing the nuclear flow far from stability. Where exactly the fission fragments are distributed across the chart of nuclides is an open theoretical question. I will address this open issue using recent state-of-the-art fission yield calculations that employ the theoretical macroscopic-microscopic framework. I will present the impact of these calculations in simulations of the r-process.

*This work was supported by the US Department of Energy through the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by Triad National Security, LLC, for the National Nuclear Security Administration of U.S. Department of Energy (Contract No. 89233218CNA000001).

Authors

  • Nicole Vassh

    • University of Notre Dame