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We report an abundance analysis for the highly r-process-enhanced (r-II) star CS 29497-004, a very metal-poor giant with Teff = 5013K and [Fe/H]=-2.85, whose nature was initially discovered in the course of the HERES project. Our analysis is based on high signal-to-noise, high-resolution (R~75000) VLT/UVES spectra and MARCS model atmospheres under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium, and obtains abundance measurements for a total of 46 elements, 31 of which are neutron-capture elements. As is the case for the other 25 r-II stars currently known, the heavy-element abundance pattern of CS 29497-004 well-matches a scaled Solar System second peak r-process-element abundance pattern. We confirm our previous detection of Th, and demonstrate that this star does not exhibit an "actinide boost". Uranium is also detected (log e(U) =-2.20+/-0.30), albeit with a large measurement error that hampers its use as a precision cosmo-chronometer. Combining the various elemental chronometer pairs that are available for this star, we derive a mean age of 12.2+/-3.7 Gyr using the theoretical production ratios from waiting-point approximation models (Kratz et al. 2007). We further explore the high-entropy wind model (Farouqi et al. 2010) production ratios arising from different neutron richness of the ejecta (Y_e), and derive an age of 13.7+/-4.4 Gyr for a best-fitting Y_e=0.447. The U/Th nuclei-chronometer is confirmed to be the most resilient to theoretical production ratios and yields an age of 16.5+:-6.6 Gyr. Lead (Pb) is also tentatively detected in CS 29497-004, at a level compatible with a scaled Solar r-process, or with the theoretical expectations for a pure r-process in this star., Comment: 24 pages, 15 figures, accepted in Astronomy and Astrophysics

Still today, the nucleosynthesis origin of Xe-H in presolar nanodiamonds is far from understood. Historically, possible explanations were proposed by a secondary "neutron-burst" process occurring in the He- or C/O-shells of a type-II supernova (SN-II), which are, however, not fully convincing in terms of modern nucleosynthesis conditions. Therefore, we have investigated Xe isotopic abundance features that may be diagnostic for different versions of a classical, primary r-process in high-entropy-wind (HEW) ejecta of core-collapse SN-II. We report here on parameter tests for non-standard r-process variants, by varying electron abundances (Y$_e$), ranges of entropies (S) and expansion velocities (V$_{exp}$) with their correlated neutron-freezeout times ($\tau$(freeze)) and temperatures (T$_9$(freeze)). From this study, we conclude that a best fit to the measured Xe-H abundance ratios $^i$Xe/$^{136}$Xe can be obtained with the high-S "main" component of a "cold" r-process variant., Comment: 7 pages, 7 figures, Seventh European Summer School on Experimental Nuclear Astrophysics, Sept. 15-27 2013, Santa Tecla (CT), Sicily, Italy

Nuclear structure plays a significant role on the rapid neutron capture process (r-process) since shapes evolve with the emergence of shells and sub-shells. There was some indication in neighboring nuclei that we might find examples of a new N=56 sub-shell, which may give rise to a doubly magic Se-90 nucleus. Beta-decay half lives of nuclei around Se-90 have been measured to determine if this nucleus has in fact a doubly-magic character. The fragmentation of Xe-136 beam at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University was used to create a cocktail of nuclei in the A=90 region. We have measured the half lives of twenty-two nuclei near the r-process path in the A=90 region. The half lives of As-88 and Se-90 have been measured for the first time. The values were compared with theoretical predictions in the search for nuclear-deformation signatures of a N=56 sub-shell, and its possible role in the emergence of a potential doubly-magic Se-90. The impact of such hypothesis on the synthesis of heavy nuclei, particularly in the production of Sr, Y and Zr elements was investigated with a weak r-process network. The new half lives agree with results obtained from a standard global QRPA model used in r-process calculations, indicating that Se-90 has a quadrupole shape incompatible with a closed N=56 sub-shell in this region. The impact of the measured Se-90 half-life in comparison with a former theoretical predication associated with a spherical half-life on the weak-r-process is shown to be strong.

With a new detector setup and the high-resolution performance of the fragment separator FRS at GSI we discovered 57 new isotopes in the atomic number range of 60$\leq Z \leq 78$: \nuc{159-161}{Nb}, \nuc{160-163}{Pm}, \nuc{163-166}Sm, \nuc{167-168}{Eu}, \nuc{167-171}{Gd}, \nuc{169-171}{Tb}, \nuc{171-174}{Dy}, \nuc{173-176}{Ho}, \nuc{176-178}{Er}, \nuc{178-181}{Tm}, \nuc{183-185}{Yb}, \nuc{187-188}{Lu}, \nuc{191}{Hf}, \nuc{193-194}{Ta}, \nuc{196-197}{W}, \nuc{199-200}{Re}, \nuc{201-203}{Os}, \nuc{204-205}{Ir} and \nuc{206-209}{Pt}. The new isotopes have been unambiguously identified in reactions with a $^{238}$U beam impinging on a Be target at 1 GeV/u. The isotopic production cross-section for the new isotopes have been measured and compared with predictions of different model calculations. In general, the ABRABLA and COFRA models agree better than a factor of two with the new data, whereas the semiempirical EPAX model deviates much more. Projectile fragmentation is the dominant reaction creating the new isotopes, whereas fission contributes significantly only up to about the element holmium., Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures

The {\beta} decays of very neutron-rich nuclides in the Co-Zn region were studied experimentally at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory using the NSCL {\beta}-counting station in conjunction with the neutron detector NERO. We measured the branchings for {\beta}-delayed neutron emission (Pn values) for 74Co (18 +/- 15%) and 75-77Ni (10 +/- 2.8%, 14 +/- 3.6%, and 30 +/- 24%, respectively) for the first time, and remeasured the Pn values of 77-79Cu, 79,81Zn, and 82Ga. For 77-79Cu and for 81Zn we obtain significantly larger Pn values compared to previous work. While the new half-lives for the Ni isotopes from this experiment had been reported before, we present here in addition the first half-life measurements of 75Co (30 +/- 11 ms) and 80Cu (170+110 -50 ms). Our results are compared with theoretical predictions, and their impact on various types of models for the astrophysical rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) is explored. We find that with our new data, the classical r-process model is better able to reproduce the A = 78-80 abundance pattern inferred from the solar abundances. The new data also influence r-process models based on the neutrino-driven high-entropy winds in core collapse supernovae., Comment: 13 pages, 13 figures

The astrophysical site of the r-process is still uncertain, and a full exploration of the systematics of this process in terms of its dependence on nuclear properties from stability to the neutron drip-line within realistic stellar environments has still to be undertaken. Sufficiently high neutron to seed ratios can only be obtained either in very neutron-rich low-entropy environments or moderately neutron-rich high-entropy environments, related to neutron star mergers (or jets of neutron star matter) and the high-entropy wind of core-collapse supernova explosions. As chemical evolution models seem to disfavor neutron star mergers, we focus here on high-entropy environments characterized by entropy $S$, electron abundance $Y_e$ and expansion velocity $V_{exp}$. We investigate the termination point of charged-particle reactions, and we define a maximum entropy $S_{final}$ for a given $V_{exp}$ and $Y_e$, beyond which the seed production of heavy elements fails due to the very small matter density. We then investigate whether an r-process subsequent to the charged-particle freeze-out can in principle be understood on the basis of the classical approach, which assumes a chemical equilibrium between neutron captures and photodisintegrations, possibly followed by a $\beta$-flow equilibrium. In particular, we illustrate how long such a chemical equilibrium approximation holds, how the freeze-out from such conditions affects the abundance pattern, and which role the late capture of neutrons originating from $\beta$-delayed neutron emission can play., Comment: 52 pages, 31 figures

We report on a detailed abundance analysis of two strongly r-process enhanced, very metal-poor stars newly discovered in the HERES project, CS 29491-069 ([Fe/H]=-2.51, [r/Fe]=+1.1) and HE 1219-0312 ([Fe/H]=-2.96, [r/Fe]=+1.5). The analysis is based on high-quality VLT/UVES spectra and MARCS model atmospheres. We detect lines of 15 heavy elements in the spectrum of CS 29491-069, and 18 in HE 1219-0312; in both cases including the Th II 4019 {\AA} line. The heavy-element abundance patterns of these two stars are mostly well-matched to scaled solar residual abundances not formed by the s-process. We also compare the observed pattern with recent high-entropy wind (HEW) calculations, which assume core-collapse supernovae of massive stars as the astrophysical environment for the r-process, and find good agreement for most lanthanides. The abundance ratios of the lighter elements strontium, yttrium, and zirconium, which are presumably not formed by the main r-process, are reproduced well by the model. Radioactive dating for CS 29491-069 with the observed thorium and rare-earth element abundance pairs results in an average age of 9.5 Gyr, when based on solar r-process residuals, and 17.6 Gyr, when using HEW model predictions. Chronometry seems to fail in the case of HE 1219-0312, resulting in a negative age due to its high thorium abundance. HE 1219-0312 could therefore exhibit an overabundance of the heaviest elements, which is sometimes called an "actinide boost".

We have performed large-scale nucleosynthesis calculations within the high-entropy-wind (HEW) scenario of type II supernovae. The primary aim was to constrain the conditions for the production of the classical "p-only" isotopes of the light trans-Fe elements. We find, however, that for electron fractions in the range 0.458 $\le$ Y$_e$ $\le$ 0.478, sizeable abundances of p-, s- and r-process nuclei between $^{64}$Zn and $^{98}$Ru are coproduced in the HEW at low entropies (S $\le$ 100) by a primary charged-particle process after an $\alpha$-rich freezeout. With the above Y$_e$ -- S correlation, most of the predicted isotopic abundance ratios within a given element (e.g. $^{64}$Zn(p)/$^{70}$Zn(r) or $^{92}$Mo(p)/$^{94}$Mo(p)), as well as of neighboring elements (e.g. $^{70}$Ge(s+p)/$^{74}$Se(p) or $^{74}$Se(p)/$^{78}$Kr(p)) agree with the observed Solar-System ratios. Taking the Mo isotopic chain as a particularly challenging example, we show that our HEW model can account for the production of all 7 stable isotopes, from "p-only" $^{92}$Mo, via "s-only" $^{96}$Mo up to "r-only" $^{100}$Mo. Furthermore, our model is able to reproduce the isotopic composition of Mo in presolar SiC X-grains.}, Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures

Measurements of the beta-decay properties of r-process nuclei below A=110 have been completed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, at Michigan State University. Beta-decay half-lives for Y-105, Zr-106,107 and Mo-111, along with beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities of Y-104, Mo-109,110 and upper limits for Y-105, Zr-103,104,105,106,107 and Mo-108,111 have been measured for the first time. Studies on the basis of the quasi-random phase approximation are used to analyze the ground-state deformation of these nuclei., Comment: 21 pages, 10 figures, article accepted for publication in Physical Review C

While the high-entropy wind (HEW) of Type II supernovae remains one of the more promising sites for the rapid neutron-capture (r-) process, hydrodynamic simulations have yet to reproduce the astrophysical conditions under which the latter occurs. We have performed large-scale network calculations within an extended parameter range of the HEW, seeking to identify or to constrain the necessary conditions for a full reproduction of all r-process residuals N_{r,\odot}=N_{\odot}-N_{s,\odot} by comparing the results with recent astronomical observations. A superposition of weighted entropy trajectories results in an excellent reproduction of the overall N_{r,\odot}-pattern beyond Sn. For the lighter elements, from the Fe-group via Sr-Y-Zr to Ag, our HEW calculations indicate a transition from the need for clearly different sources (conditions/sites) to a possible co-production with r-process elements, provided that a range of entropies are contributing. This explains recent halo-star observations of a clear non-correlation of Zn and Ge and a weak correlation of Sr - Zr with heavier r-process elements. Moreover, new observational data on Ru and Pd seem to confirm also a partial correlation with Sr as well as the main r-process elements (e.g. Eu)., Comment: 15 pages, 1 table, 4 figures; To be published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters

The impact of nuclear physics on astrophysical r-process models is discussed, emphasizing the importance of beta-decay properties of neutron-rich nuclei. Several r-process motivated beta-decay experiments performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory are presented. The experiments include the measurement of beta-decay half-lives and neutron emission probabilities of nuclei in regions around Ni-78; Se-90; Zr-106 and Rh-120, as well as spectroscopic studies of Pd-120. A summary on the different experimental techniques employed, data analysis, results and impact on model calculations is presented., Comment: 10 pages, 5 figurs, Conference proceeding (PoS)

Recent observations of r-process-enriched metal-poor star abundances reveal a non-uniform abundance pattern for elements $Z\leq47$. Based on non-correlation trends between elemental abundances as a function of Eu-richness in a large sample of metal-poor stars, it is shown that the mixing of a consistent and robust light element primary process (LEPP) and the r-process pattern found in r-II metal-poor stars explains such apparent non-uniformity. Furthermore, we derive the abundance pattern of the LEPP from observation and show that it is consistent with a missing component in the solar abundances when using a recent s-process model. As the astrophysical site of the LEPP is not known, we explore the possibility of a neutron capture process within a site-independent approach. It is suggested that scenarios with neutron densities $n_{n}\leq10^{13}$ $cm^{-3}$ or in the range $n_{n}\geq10^{24}$ $cm^{-3}$ best explain the observations., Comment: 28 pages, 7 Postscript figures. To be published in The Astrophysical Journal

A JINA/VISTARS r-process campaign was completed at the A1900 Fragment Separator of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory in the fall of 2005. The purpose of the campaign was the measurement of the beta-decay half-lives and beta-delayed neutron-emission probabilities of different unknown neutron-rich nuclei participating in the r-process. Details of this campaign will be presented., Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, conference PoS proceeding

This manuscript reviews recent progress in our understanding of the nucleosynthesis of medium and heavy elements in supernovae. Recent hydrodynamical models of core-collapse supernovae show that a large amount of proton rich matter is ejected under strong neutrino fluxes. This matter constitutes the site of the vp-process where antineutrino absorption reactions catalyze the nucleosynthesis of nuclei with A > 64. Supernovae are also associated with the r-process responsible for the synthesis of the heaviest elements in nature. Fission during the r-process can play a major role in determining the final abundance patter and in explaining the almost universal features seen in metal-poor r-process-rich stars., Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, invited talk at NIC-IX, International Symposium on Nuclear Astrophysics - Nuclei in the Cosmos - IX, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, 25-30 June, 2006

Recent progress is presented from experiments on masses and lifetimes of bare and few-electron exotic nuclei at GSI., Comment: Proceedings of International Conference on "Frontiers in Nuclear Structure, Astrophysics and Reactions", Kos, Greece, September 12-17, 2005

Nuclei with magic numbers serve as important benchmarks in nuclear theory. In addition, neutron-rich nuclei play an important role in the astrophysical rapid neutron-capture process (r-process). 78Ni is the only doubly-magic nucleus that is also an important waiting point in the r-process, and serves as a major bottleneck in the synthesis of heavier elements. The half-life of 78Ni has been experimentally deduced for the first time at the Coupled Cyclotron Facility of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University, and was found to be 110 (+100 -60) ms. In the same experiment, a first half-life was deduced for 77Ni of 128 (+27 -33) ms, and more precise half-lives were deduced for 75Ni and 76Ni of 344 (+20 -24) ms and 238 (+15 -18) ms respectively., Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

Fission plays an important role in the r-process which is responsible not only for the yields of transuranium isotopes, but may have a strong influence on the formation of the majority of heavy nuclei due to fission recycling. We present calculations of beta-delayed and neutron-induced fission rates, taking into account different fission barriers predictions and mass formulae. It is shown that an increase of fission barriers results naturally in a reduction of fission rates, but that nevertheless fission leads to the termination of the r-process. Furthermore, it is discussed that the probability of triple fission could be high for $A>260$ and have an effect on the formation of the abundances of heavy nuclei. Fission after beta-delayed neutron emission is discussed as well as different aspects of the influence of fission upon r-process calculations., Comment: 28 pages, 10 figures, to be published in Nuclear Physics A

We report on a dedicated effort to identify and study metal-poor stars strongly enhanced in r-process elements ([r/Fe] > 1 dex; hereafter r-II stars), the Hamburg/ESO R-process Enhanced Star survey (HERES). Moderate-resolution (~2A) follow-up spectroscopy has been obtained for metal-poor giant candidates selected from the Hamburg/ESO objective-prism survey (HES) as well as the HK survey to identify sharp-lined stars with [Fe/H] < -2.5dex. For several hundred confirmed metal-poor giants brighter than B~16.5mag (most of them from the HES), ``snapshot'' spectra (R~20,000; S/N~30 per pixel) are being obtained with VLT/UVES, with the main aim of finding the 2-3% r-II stars expected to be among them. These are studied in detail by means of higher resolution and higher S/N spectra. In this paper we describe a pilot study based on a set of 35 stars, including 23 from the HK survey, 8 from the HES, and 4 comparison stars. We discovered two new r-II stars, CS29497-004 ([Eu/Fe] = 1.64 +/- 0.22) and CS29491-069 ([Eu/Fe] = 1.08 +/- 0.23). A first abundance analysis of CS29497-004 yields that its abundances of Ba to Dy are on average enhanced by 1.5dex with respect to iron and the Sun and match a scaled solar r-process pattern well, while Th is underabundant relative to that pattern by 0.3dex, which we attribute to radioactive decay. That is, CS29497-004 seems not to belong to the class of r-process enhanced stars displaying an ``actinide boost'', like CS31082-001 (Hill et al. 2002), or CS30306-132 (Honda et al. 2004b). The abundance pattern agrees well with predictions of the phenomenological model of Qian & Wasserburg., Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A

High-resolution spectra obtained with three ground-based facilities and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) have been combined to produce a new abundance analysis of CS 22892-052, an extremely metal-poor giant with large relative enhancements of neutron-capture elements. A revised model stellar atmosphere has been derived with the aid of a large number of Fe-peak transitions, including both neutral and ionized species of six elements.Several elements, including Mo, Lu, Au, Pt and Pb, have been detected for the first time in CS 22892-052, and significant upper limits have been placed on the abundances of Ga, Ge, Cd, Sn, and U in this star. In total, abundance measurements or upper limits have been determined for 57 elements, far more than previously possible. New Be and Li detections in CS 22892-052 indicate that the abundances of both these elements are significantly depleted compared to unevolved main-sequence turnoff stars of similar metallicity. Abundance comparisons show an excellent agreement between the heaviest n-capture elements (Z >= 56) and scaled solar system r-process abundances, confirming earlier results for CS 22892-052 and other metal-poor stars. New theoretical r-process calculations also show good agreement with CS 22892-052 abundances as well as the solar r-process abundance components.The abundances of lighter elements (40<= Z <= 50), however, deviate from the same scaled abundance curves that match the heavier elements, suggesting different synthesis conditions or sites for the low-mass and high-mass ends of the abundance distribution. The detection of Th and the upper limit on the U abundance together imply a lower limit of 10.4 Gyr on the age of CS 22892-052, quite consistent with the Th/Eu age estimate of 12.8 +/- ~= 3 Gyr. An average of several chronometric ratios yields an age 14.2 +/- ~= 3 Gyr., Comment: 65 pages, 8 figures, 10 tables; To appear in the Astrophysical Journal

Annual Report 2001, Institut fuer Kernchemie, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universitaet, Mainz, Germany, Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure

With the exception of the Big Bang, responsible for 1,2H, 3,4He, and 7Li, stars act as sources for the composition of the interstellar medium. Cosmic rays are related to the latter and very probably due to acceleration of the mixed interstellar medium by shock waves from supernova remnants. Thus, the understanding of the abundance evolution in the interstellar medium and especially the enrichment of heavy elements, as a function of space and time, is essential. It reflects the history of star formation and the lifetimes of the diverse contributing stellar objects. Therefore, the understanding of the endpoints of stellar evolution is essential as well. These are mainly planetary nebulae and type II/Ib/Ic supernovae as evolutionary endpoints of single stars, but also events in binary systems can contribute, like e.g. supernovae of type Ia, novae and possibly X-ray bursts and neutron star or neutron star - black hole mergers. Despite many efforts, a full and self-consistent understanding of supernovae (the main contributors to nucleosynthesis in galaxies) is not existing, yet. Their fingerprints, however, seen either in spectra, lightcurves, radioactivities/decay gamma-rays or in galactic evolution, can help to constrain the composition of their ejecta and related model uncertainties., Comment: Review, 20 pages, uses style icrc.sty, to be published in Proc. ICRC 2001

We present in this paper a compilation of the present status of experimental delayed-neutron precursor data; i.e. beta-decay half-lives (T_1/2) and neutron emission probabilities (P_n) in the fission-product region (27 <= Z <= 57). These data are compared to two model predictions of substantially different sophistication: (i) an update of the empirical Kratz-Herrmann formula (KHF), and (ii) a unified macroscopic-microscopic model within the quasi-particle random-phase approximation (QRPA). Both models are also used to calculate so far unknown T_1/2 and P_n values up to Z=63. A number of possible refinements in the microscopic calculations are suggested to further improve the nuclear-physics foundation of these data for reactor and astrophysical applications., Comment: 31 pages, 9 figures, Report LA-UR--00-5897, Progr. Nucl. Energ., in print

We obtain age estimates for the progenitor(s) of the extremely metal-poor ([Fe/H = -2.9) halo star CS 31082-001, based on the recently reported first observation of a Uranium abundance in this (or any other) star. Age estimates are derived by application of the classical r-process model with updated nuclear physics inputs. The [U/Th] ratio yields an age of 13+-4 Gyr or 8+-4 Gyr, based on the use of the ETFSI-Q or the new HFBCS-1 nuclear mass models, respectively. Implications for Thorium chronometers are discussed., Comment: 5 pages incl. 1 figure, a shorter 3 page version will be published in the proceedings of the "Astrophysical Ages and Timescales" conference held in Hilo, Hawaii, Feb 5-9, 2001

Except for 1H, 2H, 3He, 4He, and 7Li, originating from the Big Bang, all heavier elements are made in stellar evolution and stellar explosions. Nuclear physics, and in many cases nuclear structure far from stability, enters in a crucial way. Therefore, we examine in this review the role of nuclear physics in astrophysics in general and in particular how it affects stellar events and the resulting nucleosynthesis. Stellar modeling addresses four major aspects: 1. energy generation and nucleosynthesis, 2. energy transport via conduction, radiation or possibly convection, 3. hydrodynamics/hydrostatics, and finally 4. thermodynamic properties of the matter involved. Nuclear Physics enters via nuclear reaction cross sections and nuclear structure (affecting the composition changes and nuclear energy generation), neutrino-nucleon and neutrino-nucleus cross sections (affecting neutrino opacities and transport), and e.g. the equation of state at and beyond nuclear densities which creates a relation between the nuclear many-body problem and the hydrodynamic response like pressure and entropy. In the following we review these four topics by highlighting the role and impact of nuclear physics in each of these aspects of stellar modeling. The main emphasis is put on the connection to element synthesis., Comment: 32 pages, 8 figures, review, to appear in Prog. Nuc. Part. Phys.; layout changed (v2), journal reference corrected (v3)

The decay of the very neutron-rich nucleus Rb-100 has been studied by gamma-spectroscopy of on-line mass-separated samples. Schemes for beta-decay to Sr-100 and beta-n-decay to Sr-99 are presented. New sets of transitions in Sr-99 and Sr-100 with identical energies are observed. All identical bands so far observed in neutron-rich Sr isotopes obey a simple energy rule valid for even-even, odd-even and odd-odd bands., Comment: 31 pages, 7 figures, Phys. Rev. C, in print

Proceedings of "Nuclei in the Cosmos 2000", Aarhus, Danmark, Comment: 3 pages, 2 figures; to be publ. in Nucl. Phys. A

In the framework of our investigation to explain the nucleosynthesis origin of the correlated Ca-Ti-Cr isotopic anomalies in the Ca-Al-rich ''FUN'' inclusion EK-1-4-1 of the Allende meteorite, the nuclear-physics basis in the neutron-rich N=28 region has been updated by including recent experimental data on beta-decay properties and microscopic predictions of neutron-capture cross sections. Charged-particle and subsequent r-process calculations within an entropy-based approach were performed using a complete reaction network. It is shown that there exist two astrophysical scenarios within which the observed isotopic anomalies can be reproduced simultaneously; one at low entropies (about 10) which confirms the earlier suggestrd Sn Ia mechanism, and another at high entropies (about 150) which could be compatible with the neutrino-wind scenario of a SN II., Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures. Proc. Torino-Melbourne-Pasadena "Wasserburg" Workshop, U. Torino, 21-22 June 2000. For publication in Mem.S.A.It

The decay of the mass-separated, very neutron-rich isotope Br-93 has been studied by gamma-spectroscopy. A level scheme of its daughter Kr-93 has been constructed. Level energies, gamma-ray branching ratios and multipolarities suggest spins and parities which are in accord with a smooth systematics of the N=57 isotones for Z less-equal 40, suggesting the N=56 shell closure still to be effective in Kr isotopes. So far, there is no indication of a progressive onset of deformation in neutron-rich Kr isotopes., Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures, Phys. Rev. C, in print

The focus of the present review is the production of the heaviest elements in nature via the r-process. A correct understanding and modeling requires the knowledge of nuclear properties far from stability and a detailed prescription of the astrophysical environment. Experiments at CERN/ISOLDE have played a pioneering role in exploring the characteristics of nuclear structure in terms of masses and beta-decay properties. Initial examinations paid attention to far unstable nuclei with magic neutron numbers related to r-process peaks, while present activities are centered on the evolution of shell effects with the distance from the valley of stability. We first show in site-independent applications the effect of both types of nuclear properties on r-process abundances. Then, we explore the results of calculations related to two different `realistic' astrophysical sites, (i) the supernova neutrino wind and (ii) neutron star mergers. We close with a list of remaining theoretical and experimental challenges needed to overcome for a full understanding of the nature of the r-process, and the role CERN/ISOLDE can play in this process., Comment: LATEX, 38 pages, 16 figures, submitted to Hyperfine Interactions

Proc. IX. Workshop on Nuclear Astrophysics, Ringberg Castle, Tegernsee, Bavaria; March 1998, Comment: LaTex file with 2 Fig., 4 pages

The use of chemically selective laser ionization combined with beta-delayed neutron counting at CERN/ISOLDE has permitted identification and half-life measurements for 623-ms Mn-61 up through 14-ms Mn-69. The measured half-lives are found to be significantly longer near N=40 than the values calculated with a QRPA shell model using ground-state deformations from the FRDM and ETFSI models. Gamma-ray singles and coincidence spectroscopy has been performed for Mn-64 and Mn-66 decays to levels of Fe-64 and Fe-66, revealing a significant drop in the energy of the first 2+ state in these nuclides that suggests an unanticipated increase in collectivity near N=40., Comment: Latex-file with 4 figures, 5 pages, Phys. Rev. Lett., in print

Rapid neutron-capture (i.e., r-process) nucleosynthesis calculations, employing internally consistent and physically realistic nuclear physics input (QRPA beta-decay rates and the ETFSI-Q nuclear mass model), have been made. These calculations are compared with ground-based and HST observations of neutron-capture elements in the metal poor halo stars CS 22892--052, HD 115444, HD 122563 and HD 126238. The elemental abundances in all four metal-poor stars are consistent with the solar r-process elemental distribution for the elements Z >/= 56. These results strongly suggest, at least for those elements, that the relative elemental r-process abundances have not changed over the history of the Galaxy. This further suggests that there is one r-process site in the Galaxy, at least for elements Z >/= 56. Employing the observed stellar abundances of stable elements, in conjunction with the solar r-process abundances to constrain the calculations, predictions for the zero decay-age abundances of the radioactive elements Th and U are made. We compare these (least-squares-fit ETFSI-Q) predictions with newly derived observational values in three very metal-poor halo stars: HD 115444, CS 22892--052 and HD 122563. Within the observational errors the observed ratio of [Th/Eu] is the same in both CS 22892--052 and HD 115444. Comparing with the theoretical ratio suggests an average age of these two very metal poor stars to be approximately 15.6 +/- 4.6 Gyr, consistent with earlier radioactive age estimates and recent globular and cosmological age estimates., Comment: Astrophysical Journal, in press

This review concentrates on nucleosynthesis processes in general and their applications to massive stars and supernovae. A brief initial introduction is given to the physics in astrophysical plasmas which governs composition changes. We present the basic equations for thermonuclear reaction rates and nuclear reaction networks. The required nuclear physics input for reaction rates is discussed, i.e. cross sections for nuclear reactions, photodisintegrations, electron and positron captures, neutrino captures, inelastic neutrino scattering, and beta-decay half-lives. We examine especially the present state of uncertainties in predicting thermonuclear reaction rates, while the status of experiments is discussed by others in this volume (see M. Wiescher). It follows a brief review of hydrostatic burning stages in stellar evolution before discussing the fate of massive stars, i.e. the nucleosynthesis in type II supernova explosions (SNe II). Except for SNe Ia, which are explained by exploding white dwarfs in binary stellar systems (which will not be discussed here), all other supernova types seem to be linked to the gravitational collapse of massive stars (M$>$8M$_\odot$) at the end of their hydrostatic evolution. SN1987A, the first type II supernova for which the progenitor star was known, is used as an example for nucleosynthesis calculations. Finally, we discuss the production of heavy elements in the r-process up to Th and U and its possible connection to supernovae., Comment: 52 pages, 20 figures, uses cupconf.sty (included); to appear in "Nuclear and Particle Astrophysics", eds. J. Hirsch., D. Page, Cambridge University Press