Researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), including S. Courtin, M. Heine, E. Monpribat, and J. Nippert, have been studying a crucial nuclear fusion reaction that occurs within stars. Their work, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, focuses on the fusion of carbon nuclei, a process that plays a significant role in the energy production, chemical element formation, and evolution of massive stars.
The fusion of carbon nuclei, known as carbon burning, occurs at extremely low energies within stars, making it challenging to measure the reaction rates accurately. The researchers have been working to overcome these challenges and have recently made progress in measuring the carbon-carbon fusion reaction down to the energies relevant for stellar processes.
The carbon burning phase in stars is driven by the fusion of carbon nuclei, and understanding this process is essential for predicting the evolution of massive stars. The researchers have been investigating the nuclear structure and reaction mechanisms that influence the carbon-carbon fusion reaction. They have found that the reaction rate is highly sensitive to the quantum states of the nuclei involved and the presence of resonances, which are specific energy states where the reaction rate can increase significantly.
The researchers have also been exploring the impact of symmetries and Pauli repulsion effects on the carbon-carbon fusion reaction. These effects can influence the reaction rate and the distribution of energy and particles produced in the reaction. By understanding these effects, the researchers hope to improve the accuracy of models that predict the evolution of massive stars and the production of chemical elements in the universe.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are primarily indirect. While the research does not directly address fusion energy production on Earth, it contributes to our understanding of nuclear fusion processes, which is relevant for developing fusion energy technologies. Additionally, the research provides insights into the behavior of matter under extreme conditions, which can inform the development of materials and technologies for use in high-energy environments, such as those found in fusion reactors.
In summary, the researchers have made progress in measuring the carbon-carbon fusion reaction at stellar energies, providing new insights into the nuclear structure and reaction mechanisms that influence this process. Their work contributes to our understanding of the evolution of massive stars and the production of chemical elements in the universe, and has potential applications for the development of fusion energy technologies and materials for use in high-energy environments.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.