Neutron-star mergers and new opportunities in rare isotope experimental research

Abstract

The recent observation of the first neutron-star merger event GW170817 had major impact on our understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis. It was identified for the first time as one of the sites for the astrophysical r process, a process that is responsible for the synthesis of roughly half of the isotopes of the heavy elements. The observed kilonova afterglow from the neutron-star merger event was interpreted as the result of the radioactive decays of r-process isotopes as they decay back to the valley of stability. The observed kilonova light curve is however broad due to its complex composition and the Doppler-shift due to fast moving matter, and is therefore impossible to interpret without accurate knowledge of the nuclear properties of the nuclei involved. This work focuses on the current experimental efforts to measure the relevant nuclear properties, together with plans for the next generation radioactive beam facilities, and in particular the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB).