The need for a local nuclear physics feature in the neutron-rich rare-earths to explain solar $r$-process abundances
N. Vassh, G. C. McLaughlin, M. Mumpower, R. Surman
Submitted submitted (2022)
We apply Markov Chain Monte Carlo to predict the masses required to form the observed solar r-process rare-earth abundance peak. Given highly distinct astrophysical outflows and nuclear inputs, we find that results are most sensitive to the r-process dynamics (i.e. overall competition between reactions and decays), with similar mass trends predicted given similar dynamics. We show that regardless of whether fission deposits into the rare-earths or not, our algorithm consistently predicts the need for a local nuclear physics feature of enhanced stability in the neutron-rich lanthanides.
LA-UR-22-21428