Nuclear level densities and gamma-strength functions in astrophysics

WANDA2023

Invited presentation on 02/2023

Nuclear level densities (NLDs) and gamma-ray strength functions (GSFs) are essential ingredients in the modeling of nuclear reactions. The nuclear level density describes the number of levels within a given energy window while the gamma-ray strength function describes the probability to obtain a gamma-ray of a certain energy. These models are fit to experimental measurements and well reproduce known trends. In contrast, astrophysical simulations require extrapolation of NLDs and GSFs to nuclei where no measurements exist. I discuss the implications of these uncertainties on astrophysical reaction rates and the impact it can have on simulations. Data obtain from radioactive beam facilities on short-lived nuclei will be essential in improving the current situation.