Nuclear $\beta$-decay half-lives based on the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation

Abstract

Nuclear $\beta$-decay half-life is an important property of nucleus. It plays important roles in nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, and particle physics. This article briefly reviews recent research progress on nuclear $\beta$-decay half-lives based on the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation (QRPA). First, the importance of $\beta$-decay half-lives and the theoretical model used to predict $\beta$-decay half-lives are introduced. Then we will present the famous Fermi theory of $\beta$ decay. The research progress on nuclear $\beta$-decay half-lives based on the relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation is reviewed in detail and special attention is paid to the effects of the $T = 0$ proton-neutron pairing on the $\beta$-decay half-lives. The influence of $\beta$-decay half-lives calculated with relativistic QRPA on abundance distribution of the rapid-neutron capture process is given as well. Summary and perspective are presented finally.