The Origin of the Heavy Elements: Recent Progress in the Understanding of the γ-Process

摘要

There has been significant progress in the understanding of the γ-process over the last ten years. The conditions required for this process have been examined in terms of the parameters for adiabatic expansion from high temperature and density. There have been many developments regarding core-collapse supernova and neutron star merger models of the γ-process. Meteoritic data and observations of metal-poor stars have demonstrated the diversity of γ-process sources. Stellar observations have also found some regularity in γ-process abundance patterns and large dispersions in γ-process abundances at low metallicities. This review summarizes the recent results from parametric studies, astrophysical models, and observational studies of the γ-process. The interplay between nuclear physics and astrophysics is emphasized. Some suggestions for future theoretical, experimental, and observational studies of the γ-process are given.