New Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics

可见的宇宙是由核物理过程塑造的：恒星由聚变反应提供动力，超新星爆炸产生并分散化学元素，这些爆炸的残余物加速宇宙射线。更好地理解这些过程将有助于我们理解宇宙的起源、性质和命运。使用中微子是一种可能的新方法，中微子是一种微小的粒子，电荷为零，几乎没有质量，只有弱相互作用。中微子在天体物理系统中大量产生。探测中微子异常困难，但一旦成功，它就会揭示中微子可以轻易穿透的厚厚物质层所隐藏的源的物理条件。PI将领导一项广泛的中微子天体物理理论工作计划，与实验物理和观测天文学密切结合，旨在导致在理解天体物理系统和中微子性质方面取得突破。初级科学家将接受尖端研究以及职业成功所需的一般技能方面的培训。PI和初级科学家将努力与公众分享结果，并扩大代表不足的群体的参与，包括聋人和聋人。PI将领导一个有四个推动力的研究计划：太阳中微子、超新星爆发中微子、扩散超新星中微子背景(DSNB)和中微子的粒子性质。这些冲刺是紧密相连的。最终的结果可能包括：对太阳-中微子混合进行敏感的新测试，并首次探测到某些太阳聚变过程；精确观测银河系超新星，详细探测热的原中子星和可能的黑洞形成；对中微子性质进行前所未有的新测试，以及发现新的中微子源。一个特别重要的目标是探测和解释DSNB，DSNB是数十亿年来大质量恒星的核心坍塌产生的中微子和反中微子的宇宙通量。后者现在触手可及，因为超级神枪手已经接受了Beacom-Vagins Gadzook！建议添加Gd以实现中子探测。对这些中微子的探测将探索宇宙恒星的形成历史，它塑造了可见的宇宙，并建立了化学元素、中子星、黑洞和宇宙射线。它还将探测反映中子星和黑洞物理性质的每个核心的中微子发射，并允许对中微子性质进行新的测试。该项目由数学与物理科学局的物理部和天文科学部共同资助。

The visible universe is shaped by nuclear physics processes: stars are powered by fusion reactions, supernova explosions produce and disperse chemical elements, and the remnants of these explosions accelerate cosmic rays. A better understanding of these processes will help us understand the origin, nature, and fate of the universe. A new way forward is possible using neutrinos, tiny particles with zero charge, almost no mass, and only weak interactions. Neutrinos are abundantly produced in astrophysical systems. Detecting neutrinos is extraordinarily difficult, but, when successful, it reveals physical conditions of sources that are otherwise hidden by thick layers of matter that neutrinos can readily stream through. The PI will lead a broad program of theoretical work on neutrino astrophysics, closely coupled to experimental physics and observational astronomy, designed to lead to breakthroughs in understanding astrophysical systems and neutrino properties. Junior scientists will be trained on cutting-edge research as well as the general skills needed for career success. The PI and junior scientists will work to share results with the public and to broaden participation by under-represented groups, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.The PI will lead a research program with four thrusts: solar neutrinos, supernova burst neutrinos, the Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background (DSNB), and the particle properties of neutrinos. These thrusts are closely connected. Eventual outcomes could include sensitive new tests of solar-neutrino mixing and first detections of certain solar-fusion processes; precise observation of a Milky Way supernova and detailed probes of the hot proto-neutron star and possible black hole formation; and unprecedented new tests of neutrino properties plus the discovery of new neutrino sources. An especially important goal is the detection and interpretation of the DSNB, the cosmic flux of neutrinos and antineutrinos produced by the core collapses of massive stars over billions of years. The latter is now within reach because Super-Kamiokande has accepted the Beacom-Vagins GADZOOKS! proposal to add gadolinium to enable neutron detection. Detection of these neutrinos will probe the cosmic star formation history that shapes the visible universe and builds up chemical elements, neutron stars and black holes, and cosmic rays. It would also probe the neutrino emission per core collapse that reflects the physics of neutron stars and black holes, and allows new tests of neutrino properties.This project is co-funded by the Division of Physics and the Division of Astronomical Sciences in the Directorate of Mathematical & Physical Sciences.