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Calculating weak decay rates under stellar conditions for studying presupernova evolution of massive stars is a challenging task. Here, we show the importance of odd-A nuclei for presupernova simulations. In order to calculate the required nuclear matrix elements, we apply the pn-QRPA model in a deformed basis. Nuclear deformation, thought to play an integral role in calculation of associated weak decay rates, is taken into account in our model. We calculate Gamow–Teller (GT) strength distributions, $$\beta ^-$$ emission and positron capture rates for selected odd-A nuclei. Our model does not employ the Brink–Axel hypothesis as used in previous calculations of weak decay rates, and we perform a state-by-state microscopic calculation of GT strength distributions from all parent excited states. Our calculated $$\beta ^-$$ decay rates are in good agreement with large-scale shell model calculations.

It is known that the calculated values of log(ft) and the half-life of beta decay are less than the measured values when a single-particle approach is used to calculate these quantities. In this article, we discuss the importance of taking into account the spectroscopic factor in the calculation of the half-life and log(ft) beta decay of nuclei containing one nucleon in the outermost shell. We also emphasize the dominant role of the asymptotic normalization coefficient, which takes into account the many-particle effect and allows us to obtain the spectroscopic factor necessary to describe the reaction 13N → 13C + β+ + νe . We find the asymptotic normalization coefficients using the experimental data of the elastic scattering phase-shift of the proton and neutron on 12C. Using overlap functions instead of single-particle functions, we obtain a better comparison with the experimental data. The overlap function is represented as the product of the single-particle function and the root of the corresponding spectroscopic factor.

The total cross-section, astrophysical S-factor, and rate of radiative capture reaction 12C(p, γ)13N are calculated using the potential model. In this work, we take into account the capture of protons through s1/2 → p1/2 and d3/2 → p1/2 single-particle transitions, fine-tune the values of the depth and nuclear radius of the Woods-Saxon potential to achieve better comparison with the measured data. The results for the elastic scattering phase shift, astrophysical S-factor, and rates are compared with the previously reported results of the calculations and experimental data.

As per simulation studies, the weak reaction rates on nickel isotopes play a substantial role in affecting the ratio of electron-to-baryon content of stellar interior during the late stages of core evolution. (Anti)neutrinos are produced in weak-decay processes, and escape from the stellar content having densities less than 1011 g cm − 3 . They take away energy and reduce the stellar core entropy. In this paper we report on the microscopic calculation of neutrino and antineutrino cooling rates due to weak rates on nickel isotopes in mass range 56 ≤ A ≤ 71. The calculations are accomplished by employing the deformed pn-QRPA model. Recent studies on GT strength properties of nickel isotopes show that the deformed pn-QRPA model well explained the experimental charge-changing transitions. Our calculated beta decay half-lives for selected nickel isotopes are in excellent comparison with experimental data. The (anti)neutrino cooling rates are determined over temperatures in the range of 0.01 × 109 – 30 × 109 K and densities in the range of 10 – 1011 g cm − 3 domain. The computed rates are compared with previous theoretical calculations. For neutron rich nuclide, at high temperatures, our computed cooling rates are enhanced as compared to previous calculations.

Lepton (electron and positron) capture rates on iron-regime nuclei are an essential element for modeling the late stages of progression of massive stars that become core collapse and thermonuclear supernova. As per previous simulation studies, lepton capture (LC) rates on isotopes of vanadium are believed to have a substantial effect in regulating the Ye (lepton to baryon fraction) during the final evolutionary phases. The present work involves the calculation of lepton capture rates for 22 isotopes of vanadium by making use of the proton-neutron (pn-) quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) model. The covered mass range is from A = 43 to 64. The LC rates have been computed over stellar densities ranging from $10^{1}$ to $10^{11}$ (g/cm3) and for the temperature range $10^{7} - 3 \times 10^{10}$ (K). A comparison of our calculated LC rates to the rates computed using other models (IPM and LSSM) has also been presented. As compared to the rates calculated by other models, pn-QRPA rates at high temperature ( $3 \times 10^{10}$ K) are larger by up to 1-2 orders of magnitude.

Electron capture and $\beta ^{-}$ decay are the dominant decay processes during late phases of evolution of heavy stars. Previous simulation results show that weak rates on isotopes of Molybdenum (Mo) have a meaningful contribution during the development of phases of stars before they go supernova. The relative abundance coupled with the stellar weak rates on Mo isotopes may change the lepton-to-baryon content of the core material. Here we report on the calculation of nuclear structure properties of 82−138Mo isotopes employing the RMF model. Later we calculate the weak decay rates of these isotopes. We use the pn-QRPA model to compute these rates. In the first step, the ground-state nuclear properties of Mo isotopes such as binding energy per nucleon, neutron and proton separation energies, charge radii, total electric quadrupole moments and deformation parameter of electric quadrupole moments have been calculated using density dependent version of RMF model with DD-PC1 and DD-ME2 functionals. The calculated electric quadrupole deformation parameters have been used in a deformed pn-QRPA calculation in the second phase of this work to calculate half-lives and weak decay rates for these Mo isotopes in stellar matter. We calculate the electron capture and $\beta $-decay rates over an extensive range of temperature ($0.01\times 10^{9}$ K to $30\times 10^{9}$ K) and density (10 to $10^{11}$) g/cm3. Our study can prove useful for simulation of presupernova evolution processes of stars.

The neutrino cooling and gamma heating rates are considered as an important input needed to study the final phases of the evolution of high-mass stars. The weak-interaction mediated processes, namely the $\beta $-decay and electron capture, significantly change the lepton to baryon ratio and accelerate the contraction of the core. The emission of resulting neutrinos/antineutrinos tend to cool the stellar core. On the other hand gamma rays are produced because of electron capture and $\beta $-decay to excited states in daughter nuclei. These gamma rays heat the core and contribute to increase of entropy which may cause convection to occur. In the present work, the weak-interaction heating and cooling rates on a chain of twenty two isotopes of vanadium having mass in the range 43–64 have been estimated using the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation theory. The rates have been computed for the temperature ranging from ($10^{7}\mbox{--}3\times 10^{10}$) K and for the density range $(10\mbox{--}10^{11})~\mbox{g/cm}^{3}$. Our calculated neutrino energy loss rates have also been compared with the previously reported rates calculated using other theoretical models. At high stellar temperatures, our rates are larger by 1–2 orders of magnitude as compared to previous results.

Weak rates in nickel isotopes play an integral role in the dynamics of supernovae. Electron capture and β-decay of nickel isotopes, dictated by Gamow–Teller transitions, significantly alter the lepton fraction of the stellar matter. In this paper we calculate Gamow–Teller (GT) transitions for isotopes of nickel, Ni 56 – 64 , using QRPA methods. The GT strength distributions were calculated using four different QRPA models. Our results are also compared with previous theoretical calculations and measured strength distributions wherever available. Our investigation concluded that amongst all RPA models, the pn-QRPA(C) model best described the measured GT distributions (including total GT strength and centroid placement). It is hoped that the current investigation of GT properties would prove handy and may lead to a better understanding of the presupernova evolution of massive stars.

In astrophysical conditions prevalent during the late times of stellar evolution, lepton ( e − and e + ) emission processes compete with the corresponding lepton capture processes. Prior to the collapse, lepton emissions significantly affect the cooling of the core and reduce its entropy. Therefore the lepton emission rates for Fe-group nuclei serve as an important input for core-collapse simulations of high-mass stars. From earlier simulation studies, isotopes of vanadium (V) have great astrophysical significance in regard to their weak-decay rates which substantially affect Y e (fraction of lepton to baryon number) during the final developmental stages of massive stars. The current study involves the computation of the weak lepton emission (LE) rates for V-isotopes by employing the improved deformed proton-neutron Quasi-particle Random Phase Approximation (pn-QRPA) model. The mass numbers of the selected isotopes range from 43 to 64. The LE rates on these isotopes have been estimated for a broad spectrum of density and temperature under astrophysical conditions. The ranges considered for density and temperature are 10 1 to 10 11 (g/cm 3 ) and 10 7 to 3 × 10 11 (K), respectively. The lepton emission rates from the present study were also compared to the rates previously estimated by using the independent-particle model (IPM) and large-scale shell model (LSSM). IPM rates are generally bigger than QRPA rates, while LSSM rates are overall in good comparison with the reported rates. We attribute these differences to correct placement of GT centroid in LSSM and QRPA models.

WOS: 000411536200001 At finite temperatures (>= 10(7)K), Se-76 is abundant in the core of massive stars and electron capture on Se-76 has a consequential role to play in the dynamics of core-collapse. The present work may be classified into two main categories. In the first phase we study the nuclear structure properties of Se-76 using the interacting boson model-1 (IBM-1). The IBM-1 investigations include the energy levels, B (E2) values and the prediction of the geometry. We performed the extended consistent-Q formalism (ECQF) calculation and later the triaxial formalism calculation (constructed by adding the cubic term to the ECQF). The geometry of Se-76 can be envisioned within the formalism of the potential energy surface based on the classical limit of IBM-1 model. In the second phase, we reconfirm the unblocking of the Gamow Teller (GT) strength in Se-76 (a test case for nuclei having N > 40 and Z < 40). Using the deformed pn-QRPA model we calculate GT transitions, stellar electron capture cross section (within the limit of low momentum transfer) and stellar weak rates for Se-76. The distinguishing feature of our calculation is a state-by-state evaluation of stellar weak rates in a fully microscopic fashion. Results are compared with experimental data and previous calculations. The calculated GT distribution fulfills the Ikeda sum rule. Rates for, beta-delayed neutrons and emission probabilities are also calculated. Our study suggests that at high stellar temperatures and low densities, the beta(+)-decay on Se-76 should not be neglected and needs to be taken into consideration along with electron capture rates for simulation of presupernova evolution of massive stars. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Higher Education Commission (Pakistan) through HEC [20-3099, 5557/KPK/NRPU/RD/HEC/2016] J.-U. Nabi wishes to acknowledge the support provided by the Higher Education Commission (Pakistan) through HEC Projects No. 20-3099 and 5557/KPK/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2016.

WOS: 000390830600001 The allowed Gamow Teller (GT) transitions are the most common weak nuclear processes of spin-isospin (sigma tau) type. These transitions play a key role in numerous processes in the domain of nuclear physics. Equally important is their contribution in astrophysics, particularly in nuclear synthesis and supernova explosions. In situations where allowed GT transitions are not favored, first-forbidden transitions become significant, specifically in medium heavy and heavy nuclei. For neutron-rich nuclei, first-forbidden transitions are favored mainly due to the phase-space amplification for these transitions. In this work we calculate the allowed GT as well as unique first-forbidden (U1F) vertical bar Delta J vertical bar = 2 transitions strength in odd odd and even-even nuclei in mass range 70 0(+) transitions were also calculated. We compared our calculations with the previously reported correlated RPA calculation and experimental results. Our calculations are in better agreement with measured data. For stellar applications we further calculated the allowed GT and U1F weak rates. These include beta(+/-)-decay rates and electron/positron capture rates of heavy nuclei in stellar matter. Our study shows that positron and electron capture rates command the total weak rates of these heavy nuclei at high stellar temperatures. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Higher Education Commission (Pakistan) through the HEC Project [20-3099] J.-U. Nabi wishes to acknowledge the support provided by the Higher Education Commission (Pakistan) through the HEC Project No. 20-3099.

The allowed Gamow-Teller (GT) strengths and associated weak interaction rates on fp-shell nuclides are the most familiar processes of spin-isospin (στ) type. These rates play a crucial role in several astrophysical processes, particularly in nuclear synthesis and supernova-explosions. As per simulation consequences, the electron capture cross-section on medium-heavy nuclei has a key impact on decreasing the ratio of electron-to-baryon of the stellar matter during the late stages of stars formation. Stellar model based on the theoretical approaches should be tested against the available measured data. In the current work we present calculated Gamow-Teller strength distributions by pn-QRPA model for selected fp-shell nuclei (42Ti, 46Cr, 50Fe and 54Ni) and compare our results with available measured data. The Gamow-Teller strength distributions are well fragmented over the energy range 0-12 MeV and have a good comparison with experimental data. We calculate the electron capture cross-section for selected nuclei at temperature 0.5 MeV, 1.0 MeV and 1.5 MeV that shows the temperature dependence of calculated electron capture cross-section for astrophysical applications.

The astrophysical S-factor for proton capture on 9Be at astrophysical is considered in this work by using a modified potential model approach. The total cross-section is taken as the sum of both direct and resonance transitions. Based on the computed total astrophysical S-factor we calculate the nuclear reaction rates within the selected range of temperatures. The calculated values of S-factor and nuclear reaction rates are in good agreement with the measured data. Our modified potential model based astrophysical S-factor at zero energy shows a satisfactory agreement with the previously published results.

Rates for (anti-)neutrino energy loss on nickel isotopes, due to interactions involving weak decays (β±-decay and lepton captures) are regarded as having fundamental importance during late evolutionary stages of massive stars. These rates substantially affect the leptonic ratio (Ye) of stellar interior. For the densities less than 1011 g/cm3, weak processes produce (anti-)neutrinos which cause reduction in the stellar core’s entropy. In this paper, rates for neutrino and anti-neutrino energy loss on nickel neutron-rich isotopes (66-71Ni) have been presented. Rates for energy loss have been determined by applying the deformed pn-QRPA model. The ranges for temperature and density, have been used to determine the rates, are from 0.01 to 30 (109 K) and 101 to 1011 (g/cm3), respectively. Our computed rates for energy loss, at higher temperature regions, are enhanced in comparison with previously reported rates of Pruet and Fuller (PF).

Radiative capture p + 13C → 14N + γ at energies of astrophysical interest is one of the important process in the CNO cycle. We focus the reader’s attention on the possibility of describing this reaction within the framework of a single-particle potential model even when the reaction has a resonant characteristic. The partial components of the astrophysical S-factor are calculated for electric dipole transition. The calculated value of S-factor is in good agreement with experimental data both at low and high energy from the resonance position.

Nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE) is said to be achieved when the photons and nuclei come in reasonable equilibrium while the total numbers of protons and neutrons in the stellar interior remain essentially constant. Under such condition the abundance of stellar matter can be determined using nuclear Saha equation in stellar interior. Assuming NSE conditions I calculate nuclear abundances, nuclear level densities and temperature-dependent nuclear partition functions (TDNPF) for an ensemble consisting of 728 nuclei. In order to get a better estimate of nuclear abundance I calculated nuclear level densities microscopically up to 10 MeV for all nuclei using the pn-QRPA theory. Latest experimental data was further incorporated, whenever available, to make the results more reliable. The calculated TDNPF and mass fractions show considerable differences with previous calculations and may prove useful for simulation of stellar processes

Beta decay and electron capture on isotopes of chromium are advocated to play a key role in the stellar evolution process. In this paper we endeavor to study charge-changing transitions for 24 isotopes of chromium ($^{42-65}$Cr). These include neutron-rich and neutron-deficient isotopes of chromium. Three different models from the QRPA genre, namely the pn-QRPA, the Pyatov method (PM) and the Schematic model (SM), were selected to calculate and study the Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions in chromium isotopes. The SM was employed separately in the particle-particle ($pp$) and $pp$ + particle-hole ($ph$) channels. To study the effect of deformation, the SM was first used assuming the nuclei to be spherical and later to be deformed. The PM was used both in $pp$ and $pp$ + $ph$ channels but only for the case of spherical nuclei. The pn-QRPA calculation was done by considering both $pp$ and $ph$ forces and taking deformation of nucleus into consideration. A recent study proved this version of pn-QRPA to be the best for calculation of GT strength distributions amongst the QRPA models. The pn-QRPA model calculated GT distributions had low-lying centroids and small widths as compared to other QRPA models. Our calculation results were also compared with other theoretical models and measurements wherever available. Our results are in decent agreement with previous measurements and shell model calculations., Comment: 32 pages, 12 figures, 6 tables

Gamma ray heating and neutrino cooling rates, due to weak interaction processes, on $sd$ -shell nuclei in stellar core are calculated using the proton neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation theory. The recent extensive experimental mass compilation of Wang et al. (Chin. Phys. C 36:1603, 2012), other improved model input parameters including nuclear quadrupole deformation (Raman et al. in At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 78(1):1–128, 2001; Moller et al. in At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 109:1–204, 2016) and physical constants are taken into account in the current calculation. The purpose of this work is two fold, one is to improve the earlier calculation of weak rates performed by Nabi and Klapdor-Kleingrothaus (At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 71:149, 1999a) using the same theory. We further compare our results with previous calculations. The selected $sd$ -shell nuclei, considered in this work, are of special interest for the evolution of O–Ne–Mg core in 8–10 $\mbox{M}_{\odot }$ stars due to competitive gamma ray heating rates and cooling by URCA processes. The outcome of these competitions is to determine, whether the stars end up as a white dwarf (Nabi in Phys. Rev. C 78(4):045801, 2008b), an electron-capture supernova (Jones et al. in Astrophys. J. 772(2):150, 2013) or Fe core-collapse supernova (Suzuki et al. in Astrophys. J. 817(2):163, 2016). The selected $sd$ -shell nuclei for calculation of associated weak-interaction rates include $^{20,23}\mathrm{O}$ , $^{20,23}\mathrm{F}$ , $^{20,23,24}\mathrm{Ne}$ , ${}^{20,23\mbox{--}25}\mathrm{Na}$ , and ${}^{23\mbox{--}25}\mathrm{Mg}$ . The cooling and heating rates are calculated for density range ( $10 \leq \rho\ (\mbox{g}\,\mbox{cm}^{-3}) \leq 10^{11}$ ) and temperature range ( $0.01\times 10^{9}\leq T(K)\leq 30\times 10^{9}$ ). The calculated gamma heating rates are orders of magnitude bigger than the shell model rates (except for $^{25}\mathrm{Mg}$ at low densities). At high temperatures the gamma heating rates are in reasonable agreement. The calculated cooling rates are up to an order of magnitude bigger for odd-A nuclei.

The allowed charge-changing transitions are the most common weak interaction processes of spin-isospin form that play a crucial role in several nuclear/astrophysical processes. The first-forbidden (FF) transition becomes important, in the circumstances where allowed Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions are unfavored, specifically for neutron-rich nuclei due to phase space considerations. In this paper deformed proton-neutron quasi-particle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) model is applied, for the first time, for the estimation of allowed GT and unique first-forbidden (U1F) transitions ( $|\Delta J| = 2$ ) of neutron rich copper isotopes in mass range $72 \leq A \leq 82$ under stellar conditions. We compared our computed terrestrial $\beta$ -decay half-life values with previous calculations and experimental results. It was concluded that the pn-QRPA calculation is in good accordance with measured data. Our study suggests that the addition of rank (0 and 1) operators in FF transitions can further improve the comparison which remain unattended at this stage. The deformed pn-QRPA model was employed for the estimation of GT and U1F stellar electron emission ( $\beta^{-}$ -decay) rates over wide range of stellar temperature (0.01 GK–30 GK) and density ( $10\mbox{--}10^{11}\mbox{ g}/\mbox{cm}^{3}$ ) domains for astrophysical applications. Our study shows that, in high density and low temperature regions, the contribution of U1F rates to total electron emission rates of neutron-rich copper nuclei is negligible.

The structure and the weak interaction mediated rates of the heavy waiting point (WP) nuclei 80Zr, 84Mo, 88Ru, 92Pd and 96Cd along $N = Z$ line were studied within the interacting boson model-1 (IBM-1) and the proton-neutron quasi-particle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA). The energy levels of the $N = Z$ WP nuclei were calculated by fitting the essential parameters of IBM-1 Hamiltonian and their geometric shapes were predicted by plotting potential energy surfaces (PESs). Half-lives, continuum electron capture rates, positron decay rates, electron capture cross sections of WP nuclei, energy rates of $\beta$ -delayed protons and their emission probabilities were later calculated using the pn-QRPA. The calculated Gamow-Teller strength distributions were compared with previous calculation. We present positron decay and continuum electron capture rates on these WP nuclei under $\mathit{rp}$ -process conditions using the same model. For the $\mathit{rp}$ -process conditions, the calculated total weak rates are twice the Skyrme $\mbox{HF}+\mbox{BCS}+\mbox{QRPA}$ rates for 80Zr. For remaining nuclei the two calculations compare well. The electron capture rates are significant and compete well with the corresponding positron decay rates under $\mathit{rp}$ -process conditions. The finding of the present study supports that electron capture rates form an integral part of the weak rates under $\mathit{rp}$ -process conditions and has an important role for the nuclear model calculations.

The Gamow-Teller (GT) transition is inarguably one of the most important nuclear weak transitions of the spin-isosopin $\sigma\tau$ type. It has many applications in nuclear and astrophysics. These include, but are not limited to, r-process $\beta$-decays, stellar electron captures, neutrino cooling rates, neutrino absorption and inelastic scattering on nuclei. The quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA) is an efficient way to generate GT strength distribution. In order to better understand both theoretical systematics and uncertainties, we compare the GT strength distributions, centroid and width calculations for $^{40-60}$Ti isotopes, using the pn-QRPA, Pyatov method (PM) and the Schematic model (SM). The pn-QRPA and SM are further sub-divided into three categories in order to highlight the role of particle-particle (pp) force and deformation of the nucleus in the GT strength calculations. In PM, we study only the influence of the pp force in the calculation. We also compare with experimental results and other calculations where available. We found that the inclusion of pp force and deformation significantly improves the performance of SM and pn-QRPA models. Incorporation of pp force leads to pinning down the centroid value in the PM. The calculated GT strength functions using the pn-QRPA (C) and SM (C) models are in reasonable agreement with measured data., Comment: 24 pages, 5 figures and 5 tables

The electron capture plays significant role in the presupernova and supernova evolutions of massive stars which in turn are of great importance in synthesizing heavy elements beyond iron. In this paper, we study the effect of nuclear deformation on the computed electron capture cross-section on selected even–even chromium isotopes ([Formula: see text]Cr). The nuclear deformation parameters were computed using two different theoretical models: Interacting Boson Model (IBM-1) and Macroscopic (Yukawa-plus-exponential)–microscopic (Folded–Yukawa) model (Mac–mic model). A third value of deformation parameter was adopted from experimental data. We chose the pn-QRPA model to perform our calculations. The predictive power of the chosen model was first tested by calculating Gamow–Teller (GT) strength distributions of selected [Formula: see text]-shell nuclei where measured GT data was available. The calculated GT strength distributions were well-fragmented over the energy range 0–12[Formula: see text]MeV and were noted to be in decent agreement with experimental data. The total GT strength was found to increase (decrease) with decrease (increase) in the value of deformation parameter for the three chromium isotopes. The computed GT strength distributions satisfied the model-independent Ikeda sum rule. The ECC were calculated as a function of the deformation parameter at core temperature 1.0[Formula: see text]MeV. Our results show that the calculated ECC increased with increasing value of nuclear deformation.

We calculate Gamow–Teller strength distributions for $\beta \beta$ -decay nuclei ${}^{76}\mbox{Ge}$ and ${}^{82}\mbox{Se}$ using the deformed pn-QRPA model. We use a deformed Nilsson basis and consider pairing correlations within the deformed BCS theory. Ground state correlations and two-particle and two-hole mixing states were included in our pn-QRPA model. Our calculated strength distributions were compared with experimental data and previous calculation. The total Gamow–Teller strength and centroid placement calculated in our model compares well with the measured value. We calculate $\beta$ -decay and positron capture rates on ${}^{76}\mbox{Ge}$ and ${}^{82}\mbox{Se}$ in supernovae environments and compare them to those obtained from experimental data and previous calculation. Our study shows that positron capture rates command the total weak rates at high stellar temperatures. We also calculate energy rates of $\beta$ -delayed neutrons and their emission probabilities.

Gamow-Teller transitions in isotopes of chromium play a consequential role in the presupernova evolution of massive stars. $\beta$-decay and electron capture rates on chromium isotopes significantly affect the time rate of change of lepton fraction ($\dot{Y_{e}}$). Fine-tuning of this parameter is one of the key for simulating a successful supernova explosion. The (anti)neutrinos produced as a result of electron capture and $\beta$-decay are transparent to stellar matter during presupernova phases. They carry away energy and this result in cooling the stellar core. In this paper we present the calculations of Gamow-Teller strength distributions and (anti)neutrino energy loss rates due to weak interactions on chromium isotopes of astrophysical importance. We compare our results with measured data and previous calculations wherever available., Comment: 22 pages, 12 figures, 5 tables. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1602.06134

First-forbidden (FF) transitions can play an important role in decreasing the calculated half-lives specially in environments where allowed Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions are unfavored. Of special mention is the case of neutron-rich nuclei where, due to phase-space amplification, FF transitions are much favored. We calculate the allowed GT transitions in various pn-QRPA models for even-even neutron-rich isotopes of nickel. Here we also study the effect of deformation on the calculated GT strengths. The FF transitions for even-even neutron-rich isotopes of nickel are calculated assuming the nuclei to be spherical. Later we take into account deformation of nuclei and calculate GT + unique FF transitions, stellar $\beta$-decay rates, energy rate of $\beta$-delayed neutrons and probability of $\beta$-delayed neutron emissions. The calculated half-lives are in excellent agreement with measured ones and might contribute in speeding-up of the $r$-matter flow., Comment: 22 pages, 10 figures, 7 tables. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1301.5225 by other authors

We assume nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE) conditions and use Saha Equation to calculate mass fractions in stellar interior during presupernova evolution of massive stars. Our ensemble contains 728 nuclei. The distinguishing feature of our calculation is a state-by-state summation of nuclear level densities up to 10 MeV for all nuclei considered in our ensemble. This leads to a more realistic description of nuclear partition function which poses one of the largest uncertainties in the mass fraction calculations under conditions of NSE. The Coulomb correction term was taken into account for the calculation of ground-state binding energies of the nucleons. Our calculated mass fractions are up to four orders of magnitude smaller than previous calculation. The current calculation could prove useful for study of stellar matter during presupernova phases of massive stars.

Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions play a preeminent role in the collapse of stellar core in the stages leading to a Type-II supernova. The B(GT) strength distributions for ground and excited states of $^{57}$Zn are calculated in the domain of proton-neutron Quasiparticle Random Phase Approximation (pn-QRPA) theory. No experimental insertions were made (as usually made in other pn-QRPA calculations of B(GT) strength function) to check the performance of the model for proton-rich nuclei. The calculated ground-state B(GT) strength distribution is in good agreement with measurements and shows differences with the earlier reported shell model calculation. The pn-QRPA model reproduced the measured low-lying strength for $^{57}$Zn better in comparison to the KB3G interaction used in the large-scale shell model calculation. The stellar weak rates are sensitive to the location and structure of these low-lying states in daughter $^{57}$Cu. The primary mechanism for producing such nuclei is the rp-process and is believed to be important in the dynamics of the collapsing supermassive stars. Small changes in the binding and excitation energies can lead to significant modifications of the predictions for the synthesis of proton rich isotopes. The $\beta^{+}$-decay and electron capture (EC) rates on $^{57}$Zn are compared to the seminal work of Fuller, Fowler and Newman (FFN). The pn-QRPA calculated $\beta^{+}$-decay rates are generally in good agreement with the FFN calculation. However at high stellar temperatures the calculated $\beta^{+}$-decay rates are almost half of FFN rates. On the other hand, for rp-process conditions, the calculated electron capture ($\beta^{+}$-decay) rates are bigger than FFN rates by more than a factor 2 (1.5) and may have interesting astrophysical consequences., Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, 1 table

$\beta$-decay and positron decay are believed to play a consequential role during the late phases of stellar evolution of a massive star culminating in a supernova explosion. Recently the microscopic calculation of weak-interaction mediated rates on key isotopes of iron was introduced using the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory with improved model parameters. Here I discuss in detail the improved calculation of $\beta^{\pm}$ decay rates for iron isotopes ($^{54,55,56}$Fe) in stellar environment. The pn-QRPA theory allows a microscopic "state-by-state" calculation of stellar rates as explained later in text. Excited state Gamow-Teller distributions are much different from ground state and a microscopic calculation of decay rates from these excited states greatly increases the reliability of the total decay rate calculation specially during the late stages of stellar evolution. The reported decay rates are also compared with earlier calculations. The positron decay rates are in reasonable agreement with the large-scale shell model calculation. The main finding of this work includes that the stellar $\beta$-decay rates of $^{54,55,56}$Fe are around 3 -- 5 orders of magnitude smaller than previously assumed and hence irrelevant for the determination of the evolution of $Y_{e}$ during the presupernova phase of massive stars. The current work discourages the inclusion of $^{55,56}$Fe in the list of key stellar $\beta$-decay nuclei as suggested by former simulation results., Comment: 35 pages, 15 figures

In a recent study by Cole et al. [A. L. Cole et al., Phys. Rev. C 86 (2012) 015809], it was concluded that quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA) calculations show larger deviations and overestimate the total experimental Gamow–Teller (GT) strength. It was also concluded that QRPA calculated electron capture rates exhibit larger deviation than those derived from the measured GT strength distributions. The main purpose of this study is to probe the findings of the Cole et al. paper. This study gives useful information on the performance of QRPA-based nuclear models. As per simulation results, the capturing of electrons that occur on medium heavy isotopes have a significant role in decreasing the ratio of electron-to-baryon content of the stellar interior during the late stages of core evolution. We report the calculation of allowed charge-changing transitions strength for odd-[Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]-shell nuclei ([Formula: see text]Sc and [Formula: see text]Mn) by employing the deformed pn-QRPA approach. The computed GT transition strength is compared with previous theoretical calculations and measured data. For stellar applications, the corresponding electron capture rates are computed and compared with rates using previously calculated and measured GT values. Our finding shows that our calculated results are in decent accordance with measured data. At higher stellar temperature, our calculated electron capture rates are larger than those calculated by independent particle model (IPM) and shell model. It was further concluded that at low temperature and high density regions, the positron emission weak-rates from [Formula: see text]Sc and [Formula: see text]Mn may be neglected in simulation codes.

Weak interaction rates on titanium isotopes are important during the late phases of evolution of massive stars. A search was made for key titanium isotopes from available literature and a microscopic calculation of weak rates of these nuclei were performed using the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory. Earlier the author presented the stellar electron capture rates on titanium isotopes. In this paper I present the neutrino and antineutrino energy loss rates due to capture and decay rates on isotopes of titanium in stellar environment. Accurate estimate of neutrino energy loss rates are needed for the study of the late stages of the stellar evolution, in particular for cooling of neutron stars and white dwarfs. The results are also compared against previous calculations. At high stellar temperatures the calculated neutrino and antineutrino energy loss rates are bigger by more than two orders of magnitude as compared to the large scale shell model results and favor stellar cores with lower entropies. This study can prove useful for core-collapse simulators., Comment: 16 pages, 7 figures

Nuclear weak interaction rates for fp- and fpg-shell nuclei in stellar matter and the associated energy losses are calculated using a modified form of proton–neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation model with separable Gamow–Teller forces. The stellar weak rates are calculated over a wide range of densities (10 ⩽ ρYe (g cm−3) ⩽ 1011) and temperatures (107 ⩽ T (K) ⩽ 30 × 109). We also calculate the probability of particle emission processes in stellar environment. We present an extensive compilation of weak interaction rates in stellar matter calculated over a wide temperature–density grid and over a large mass range. The calculated capture and decay rates take into consideration the latest compilations of experimental energy levels and ft values. This paper is a follow up of our calculations introduced earlier [Eur. Phys. J. A 5 (1999) 337]. We have calculated stellar weak interaction rates for a total of 650 nuclei in the mass range A = 40–100. These also include many important neutron-rich nuclei which play an important role in the evolution process of stellar collapse.

Charge-changing transitions play a significant role in stellar weak-decay processes. The fate of the massive stars is decided by these weak-decay rates including lepton (positron and electron) captures rates, which play a consequential role in the dynamics of core collapse. As per previous simulation results, weak interaction rates on nickel (Ni) isotopes have significant influence on the stellar core vis-à-vis controlling the lepton content of stellar matter throughout the silicon shell burning phases of high mass stars up to the presupernova stages. In this paper, we perform a microscopic calculation of Gamow–Teller (GT) charge-changing transitions, in the [Formula: see text]-decay and electron capture (EC) directions, for neutron-rich Ni isotopes ([Formula: see text]Ni). We further compute the associated weak-decay rates for these selected Ni isotopes in stellar environment. The computations are accomplished by employing the deformed proton–neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) model. A recent study showed that the deformed pn-QRPA theory is well suited for the estimation of GT transitions. The astral weak-decay rates are determined over densities in the range of 10–10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/cm3and temperatures in the range of 0.01[Formula: see text]–30[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K. The calculated lepton capture rates are compared with the previous calculation of Pruet and Fuller (PF). The overall comparison demonstrates that, at low stellar densities and high temperatures, our EC rates are bigger by as much as two orders of magnitude. Our results show that, at higher temperatures, the lepton capture rates are the dominant mode for the stellar weak rates and the corresponding lepton emission rates may be neglected.

The Gamow-Teller (GT) transitions within massive stars play sumptuous role in the dynamics of core collapse supernovae. GT strength distributions and electron capture rates have been calculated for odd-A nucleus $^{59}$Co within the proton-neutron quasiparticles random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) formalism. The pn-QRPA results are compared with other model calculations and (n, p) reaction experiment carried out at TRIUMF charge-exchange facility. The pn-QRPA calculated a total $B(GT_{+})$ strength of 3.3 for $^{59}$Co to be compared with the shell model value of 2.5 and the 1.9 $\pm$ 0.1 in the (n, p) charge-exchange reaction. Aufderheide et. al. \cite{Aufderheide93} extracted total strength equaling 2.4 $\pm$ 0.3. The placement of GT centroid at 5.6 MeV by the pn-QRPA model is in reasonable agreement with the shell model centroid at 5.1 MeV whereas the measured GT centroid was placed at 4.4 $\pm$ 0.3 MeV in the (n, p) experiment. Fuller, Fowler and Newman (FFN) \cite{FFN80, FFN82, FFN82b}, placed the GT centroid at too low excitation energy of 2.0 MeV in the daughter nucleus $^{59}$Fe, and this misplacement led to the enhancement of FFN rates. The suppressed pn-QRPA and shell model electron capture rates are in good agreement with each other. The rates are suggestive of higher value of $Y_{e}$ (electron-to-baryon ratio) and may contribute to a more massive homologously collapsing core resulting in a more energetic shock. It might be interesting for the simulators to check the effect of these suppressed rates on the fine-tuning of the time rate of $Y_{e}$, the concomitant heavy element nucleosynthesis, and, on the energetics of the subsequent shock wave., Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures and 1 table. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1408.4529

Using expansion of the three-body wave function of the $pep$ system in the initial state on hyperharmonic functions, the rate of the $p+p+e^{-} \rightarrow d+\nu_e$ reaction in the Sun is calculated. The results of calculation of the flux at 1 AU are compared with the results of a measurement made by the Borexino collaboration and Bahcall \textit{et al.} theoretical predictions.

The acquisition of precise and reliable nuclear data is a prerequisite to success for stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis studies. Core-collapse simulators find it challenging to generate an explosion from the collapse of the core of massive stars. It is believed that a better understanding of the microphysics of core-collapse can lead to successful results. The weak interaction processes are able to trigger the collapse and control the lepton-to-baryon ratio ($Y_{e}$) of the core material. It is suggested that the temporal variation of $Y_{e}$ within the core of a massive star has a pivotal role to play in the stellar evolution and a fine-tuning of this parameter at various stages of presupernova evolution is the key to generate an explosion. During the presupernova evolution of massive stars, isotopes of iron, mainly $^{54,55,56}$Fe, are considered to be key players in controlling $Y_{e}$ ratio via electron capture on these nuclide. Recently an improved microscopic calculation of weak interaction mediated rates for iron isotopes was introduced using the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory. The pn-QRPA theory allows a microscopic \textit{state-by-state} calculation of stellar capture rates which greatly increases the reliability of calculated rates. The results were suggestive of some fine-tuning of the $Y_{e}$ ratio during various phases of stellar evolution. Here we present for the first time the fine-grid calculation of the electron and positron capture rates on $^{54,55,56}$Fe. Core-collapse simulators may find this calculation suitable for interpolation purposes and for necessary incorporation in the stellar evolution codes., 21 pages, 6 ps figures and 2 tables

Isotopes of nickel play a key role during the silicon burning phase up to the presupernova phase of massive stars. Electron capture rates on these nickel isotopes are also important during the phase of core contraction. I present here the microscopic calculation of ground and excited states Gamow-Teller (GT) strength distributions for key nickel isotopes. The calculation is performed within the frame-work of pn-QRPA model. A judicious choice of model parameters, specially of the Gamow-Teller strength parameters and the deformation parameter, resulted in a much improved calculation of GT strength functions. The excited state GT distributions are much different from the corresponding ground-state distributions resulting in a failure of the Brink's hypothesis. The electron capture and positron decay rates on nickel isotopes are also calculated within the framework of pn-QRPA model relevant to the presupernova evolution of massive stars. The electron capture rates on odd-A isotopes of nickel are shown to have dominant contributions from parent excited states during as early as silicon burning phases. Comparison is being made with the large scale shell model calculation. During the silicon burning phases of massive stars the electron capture rates on $^{57,59}$Ni are around an order of magnitude bigger than shell model rates and can bear consequences for core-collapse simulators., Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures and 8 tables

Accurate estimate of neutrino energy loss rates are needed for the study of the late stages of the stellar evolution, in particular for cooling of neutron stars and white dwarfs. Proton-neutron quasi-particle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory has recently being used for a microscopic calculation of stellar weak interaction rates of iron isotopes with success. Here I present the detailed calculation of neutrino and antineutrino cooling rates due to key iron isotopes in stellar matter using the pn-QRPA theory. The rates are calculated on a fine grid of temperature-density scale suitable for core-collapse simulators. The calculated rates are compared against earlier calculations. The neutrino cooling rates due to isotopes of iron are in overall good agreement with the rates calculated using the large-scale shell model. During the presupernova evolution of massive stars, from oxygen shell burning till around end of convective core silicon burning phases, the calculated neutrino cooling rates due to $^{54}$Fe are three to four times larger than the corresponding shell model rates. The Brink's hypothesis used in previous calculations can at times lead to erroneous results. The Brink's hypothesis assumes that the Gamow-Teller strength distributions for all excited states are the same. It is, however, shown by the present calculation that both the centroid and total strength for excited states differ appreciably from the ground state distribution. These changes in the strength distributions of thermally populated excited states can alter the total weak interaction rates rather significantly. The calculated antineutrino cooling rates, due to positron capture and $\beta$-decay of iron isotopes, are orders of magnitude smaller than the corresponding neutrino cooling rates and can safely be neglected specially at low temperatures and high stellar densities., Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures, 6 tables

This paper reports on the microscopic calculation of ground and excited states Gamow-Teller (GT) strength distributions, both in the electron capture and electron decay direction, for $^{54,55,56}$Fe. The associated electron and positron capture rates for these isotopes of iron are also calculated in stellar matter. These calculations were recently introduced and this paper is a follow-up which discusses in detail the GT strength distributions and stellar capture rates of key iron isotopes. The calculations are performed within the framework of the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory. The pn-QRPA theory allows a microscopic \textit{state-by-state} calculation of GT strength functions and stellar capture rates which greatly increases the reliability of the results. For the first time experimental deformation of nuclei are taken into account. In the core of massive stars isotopes of iron, $^{54,55,56}$Fe, are considered to be key players in decreasing the electron-to-baryon ratio ($Y_{e}$) mainly via electron capture on these nuclide. The structure of the presupernova star is altered both by the changes in $Y_{e}$ and the entropy of the core material. Results are encouraging and are compared against measurements (where possible) and other calculations. The calculated electron capture rates are in overall good agreement with the shell model results. During the presupernova evolution of massive stars, from oxygen shell burning stages till around end of convective core silicon burning, the calculated electron capture rates on $^{54}$Fe are around three times bigger than the corresponding shell model rates. The calculated positron capture rates, however, are suppressed by two to five orders of magnitude., Comment: 18 pages, 12 figures, 10 tables

Production of elements heavier than iron, their abundance and cite of production remain an active field of research to-date. In this paper I would present a brief review of the nucleosynthesis process and then focus further on the proton capture processes with particular emphasis on the nuclear physics aspects of the rp-process. The present calculation clearly shows that the electron capture rates on waiting point nuclei are at least of similar magnitude as the competing positron decay rates under rp-process conditions. The study strongly suggests that electron capture rates form an integral part of weak-interaction mediated rates under rp-process conditions and should not be neglected in nuclear reaction network calculations as done in past.

The triple differential cross section of $^{208}\rm{Pb}(^6\rm{Li};\alpha,\rm{d})^{208}\rm{Pb}$ elastic Coulomb breakup is calculated using the semiclassical method. We fit the parameters of the Woods-Saxon potential using the experimental $\alpha-\rm{d}$ phase shifts for different states to describe the relative motion of $\alpha$-particle and deuteron. In order to check the validity of the two particle approach for $\alpha-d$ system we apply a potential model to describe the $^2\rm{H}(\alpha,\gamma)^6\rm{Li}$ radiative capture. Our results for the Coulomb breakup of $^6\rm{Li}$ show large value of the forward-backward asymmetry of the $\alpha$-particle and deuteron emission around zero energy in the $^6\rm{Li}$ center-of-mass (c.m.) system. Comparison of the results of our calculation with experimental data gives evidence for the dominance of the Coulomb dissociation mechanism at the $\alpha-d$ relative energy larger than $E_{\alpha\,d}>300\,\rm{keV}$ and sufficiently big contribution of nuclear distortion at $E_{\alpha\,d}$ near zero energy, but essentially smaller than the value reported in Ref.[F. Hammache et al. Phys.Rev. C82, 065802 (2010)].

Amongst iron regime nuclei, $\beta$-decay rates on titanium isotopes are considered to be important during the late phases of evolution of massive stars. The key $\beta$-decay isotopes during presupernova evolution were searched from available literature and a microscopic calculation of the decay rates were performed using the proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory. As per earlier simulation results electron capture and $\beta$-decay on certain isotopes of titanium are considered to be important for the presupernova evolution of massive stars. Earlier the stellar electron capture rates and neutrino energy loss rates due to relevant titanium isotopes were presented. In this paper we finally present the $\beta$-decay rates of key titanium isotopes in stellar environment. The results are also compared against previous calculations. The pn-QRPA $\beta$-decay rates are bigger at high stellar temperatures and smaller at high stellar densities compared to the large scale shell model results. This study can prove useful for the core-collapse simulators., Comment: 14 pages, 5 figures

Neutrino energy loss rates are required as a key nuclear physics input parameter in the simulation codes of core‐collapse supernovae of massive stars. The weak interaction rates due to isotopes of iron, 54,55,56Fe, are considered to play an important role during the presupernova evolution of massive stars. Proton‐neutron quasi‐particle random phase approximation (pn‐QRPA) theory has recently being used for a microscopic calculation of stellar weak interaction rates of iron isotopes with success. The calculation of neutrino energy loss rates due to 54,55,56Fe is presented along with a comparison with large scale shell model results.

Neutrino losses from proto-neutron stars play a pivotal role to decide if these stars would be crushed into black holes or explode as supernovae. Recent observations of subluminous Type II-P supernovae (e.g., 2005cs, 2003gd, 1999br, 1997D) were able to rejuvenate the interest in 8-10 M{sub {center_dot}} stars that develop O+Ne+Mg cores. Simulation results of O+Ne+Mg cores show varying results in converting the collapse into an explosion. The neutrino energy loss rates are important input parameters in core collapse simulations. Proton-neutron quasiparticle random-phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory has been used for calculation of neutrino energy loss rates due to {sup 24}Mg in stellar matter. The rates are presented on a detailed density-temperature grid suitable for simulation purposes. The calculated neutrino energy loss rates are enhanced up to more than one order of magnitude compared to the shell-model calculations and favor a lower entropy for the core of these massive stars.

Proton-neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation (pn-QRPA) theory has recently been used for the calculation of stellar weak interaction rates of the fp-shell nuclide with success. Neutrino losses from protoneutron stars play a pivotal role in deciding if these stars would be crushed into black holes or explode as supernovas. The product of abundance and positron capture rates on $^{55}\mathrm{Co}$ is substantial and as such can play a role in the fine tuning of input parameters of simulation codes especially in the presupernova evolution. Recently we introduced our calculation of capture rates on $^{55}\mathrm{Co}$, in a luxurious model space of $7\ensuremath{\hbar} \ensuremath{\omega}$, employing the pn-QRPA theory with a separable interaction. Simulators, however, may require these rates on a fine scale. Here we present for the first time an expanded calculation of the neutrino energy loss rates and positron capture rates on $^{55}\mathrm{Co}$ on an extensive temperature-density scale. This type of scale is appropriate for interpolation purposes and of greater utility for simulation codes. The pn-QRPA calculated neutrino energy loss rates are enhanced roughly up to two orders of magnitude compared with the large-scale shell model calculations and favor a lower entropy for the core of massive stars.

55Co is not only present in abundance in presupernova phase but is also advocated to play a decisive role in the core collapse of massive stars. The spectroscopy of electron capture and emitted neutrinos yields useful information on the physical conditions and stellar core composition. B(GT) values to low-lying states are calculated microscopically using the pn-QRPA theory. Our rates are enhanced compared to the reported shell model rates. The enhancement is attributed partly to the liberty of selecting a huge model space, allowing consideration of many more excited states in our rate calculations. Unlike previous calculations the so-called Brink’s hypothesis is not assumed leading to a more realistic estimate of the rates. The electron and positron capture rates are calculated over a wide temperature (0.01×10(9) - 30×10(9)K) and density (10 - 10(11) gcm-3) grid.

Gamow-Teller (GT) strength transitions are an ideal probe for testing nuclear structure models. In addition to nuclear structure, GT transitions in nuclei directly affect the early phases of Type Ia and Type-II supernovae core collapse since the electron capture rates are partly determined by these GT transitions. In astrophysics, GT transitions provide an important input for model calculations and element formation during the explosive phase of a massive star at the end of its life-time. Recent nucleosynthesis calculations show that odd-odd and odd-A nuclei cause the largest contribution in the rate of change of lepton-to-baryon ratio. In the present manuscript, we have calculated the GT strength distributions and electron capture rates for odd-odd nucleus {sup 50}V by using the pn-QRPA theory. At present {sup 50}V is the first experimentally available odd-odd nucleus in fp-shell nuclei. We also compare our GT strength distribution with the recently measured results of a {sup 50}V(d, {sup 2}He){sup 50}Ti experiment, with the earlier work of Fuller, Fowler, and Newman (referred to as FFN) and subsequently with the large-scale shell model calculations. One curious finding of the paper is that the Brink's hypothesis, usually employed in large-scale shell model calculations, is not a good approximation tomore » use at least in the case of {sup 50}V. SNe Ia model calculations performed using FFN rates result in overproduction of {sup 50}Ti, and were brought to a much acceptable value by employing shell model results. It might be interesting to study how the composition of the ejecta using presently reported QRPA rates compare with the observed abundances.« less