PHYS 786 Nuclear Astrophysics and the Origin of the Elements

Credits: (3-0) 3

This one-semester course is aimed at bridging the gap between standard nuclear physics textbooks and state-of-the-art research literature. It will be illustrated how the field of nuclear astrophysics, at the intersection of nuclear physics, astrophysics, and observational astronomy, explores the chemical evolution of our universe, determines the energetics of astrophysical objects, and identifies their observational signatures. Participants will be guided through four major directions: nucleosynthesis processes in stars studied with very low energy accelerator experiments; explosive nucleosynthesis processes requiring measurements far off of stability with radioactive beams; neutron-induced nucleosynthesis in late stellar evolution pursued at reactor and neutron spallation facilities; and finally neutrino-induced nucleosynthesis, still mostly confined to theoretical prediction and observation. It provides necessary training for those who intend to work in a discipline where nuclear science plays an important role.

Prerequisites: PHYS 771 ; or permission of instructor

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