Extended pool of electron-capture rates for core-collapse supernovae simulations

Abstract

The mechanism behind core-collapse supernova explosions is not yet fully understood. As computers get faster, more complex processes can be included in supernova models and the modelling can be performed in greater detail. Improved nuclear physics data play a role in improving the understanding of processes taking place during the core-collapse phase of this phenomenon. Large-scale shell model (LSSM) and shell model Monte Carlo (SMMC) calculations combined with the random phase approximation (RPA) have yielded two complementary pools of electron-capture and neutrino-nucleus reaction rates for iron group nuclei and beyond. Recently, the electron-capture SMMC+RPA pool was extended by including more neutron-rich nuclei to improve its predictions. At present the average rate is built from data on more than 250 nuclei. This presentation is focused on the features of this new, enlarged pool of electron-capture rates. The accuracy of predictions made with this extended pool is estimated.