Study of β decays and neutron captures crucial to stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis

Position: Post-doctoral research appointment Institute: Uni. Perugia
Posted on: 20/02/2026 Deadline: 09/03/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

02/PHYS-05 - Astrophysics And Cosmology, Earth- Space- And Climate Physics

Description

Observations of chemical abundances in the galaxy and in stars, along with isotopic data from presolar grains, highlight the need for new measurements of weak interaction rates in ionized plasmas and neutron-capture cross sections, especially for unstable isotopes. Recent experimental and theoretical studies suggest significant variations in β−decay properties for highly ionized nuclei, impacting our understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis. The PANDORA project aims to measure in-plasma decay rates by detecting γ-rays. The DENEB project focuses on AGB star nucleosynthesis, specifically the s-process near N=50 and N=82. Advanced theoretical models and virtual experiments will estimate half-lives in plasma conditions. Additionally, the feasibility of measuring neutron-capture cross sections using the ANC technique will be explored. These results will be integrated into galactic nucleosynthesis models to improve understanding of chemical evolution.

Funding body

Università degli Studi di Perugia