On the Photo-Induced Beta Decay of Protons and Neutrons in Stellar Interiors,
Abstract
In this first phase of a study on photon-induced beta decay, the reaction rate for gamma + p yields n + Positron + Nu sub e is determined for conditions approximating those in stellar interiors. It is shown that the lifetime of the proton in such conditions drops from infinity to only microseconds as the temperature varies from 0 to 10 to the 12th power degrees K. Hence the stability of the proton against this reaction is not seriously altered and will not affect nucleosynthesis (which depends on the availability of protons). However, the reactions gamma + n yields p + electron + Nu sub e bar and electron + p yields n + Nu sub e are not restrained by threshold energy requirements. If the neutron's lifetime is drastically reduced by this latter reaction to the point that it cannot live long enough to react with nuclei, then nucleosynthesis in stars will be curtailed at very high temperatures. Attempts in this latter case to proceed with calculations along the same line as the gamma + p calculation run immediately into a divergence problem, as is shown here. The correct handling of this reaction will be the subject of another report when completed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 06, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0718320
Entities
People
- John N. Hayes
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory