New Frontiers in Nuclear Astrophysics

可见的宇宙是由核物理过程形成的：恒星由聚变反应提供能量，超新星爆炸产生并分散化学元素，这些爆炸的残留物加速了宇宙射线。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。利用中微子，一种零电荷、几乎没有质量、只有弱相互作用的微小粒子，可能是一种新的前进方式。中微子在天体物理系统中大量产生。探测到中微子是非常困难的，但是，一旦成功，它就会揭示出中微子可以轻易穿过的厚厚的物质层所隐藏的源的物理条件。PI将领导一个广泛的中微子天体物理学理论工作项目，与实验物理学和观测天文学紧密结合，旨在在理解天体物理系统和中微子性质方面取得突破。青年科学家将接受前沿研究和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，并扩大包括聋哑人和重听人在内的代表性不足的群体的参与。PI将领导一个有四个重点的研究项目：太阳中微子、超新星爆发中微子、弥散超新星中微子背景（DSNB）和中微子的粒子特性。这些逆冲是紧密相连的。最终的结果可能包括对太阳-中微子混合进行灵敏的新测试，并首次探测到某些太阳聚变过程；对银河系超新星的精确观测和对热的原中子星和可能的黑洞形成的详细探测；前所未有的中微子特性新测试以及新中微子源的发现。一个特别重要的目标是探测和解释DSNB，即数十亿年来大质量恒星核心坍缩产生的中微子和反中微子的宇宙通量。后者现在已经触手可及，因为超级神冈已经接受了Beacom-Vagins GADZOOKS！建议添加钆以实现中子探测。对这些中微子的探测将探测宇宙恒星的形成历史，这些历史塑造了可见的宇宙，并形成了化学元素、中子星和黑洞，以及宇宙射线。它还将探测每次核心坍缩时的中微子发射，这反映了中子星和黑洞的物理特性，并允许对中微子特性进行新的测试。该项目由数学与物理科学理事会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.