The vp-process: Critical nuclear physics and astrophysical implications

Abstract

The neutrino-p-process is thought to occur in the innermost proton-rich layers ejected in core-collapse supernovae. The importance of the vp-process lies in the fact that it may contribute to the abundances of elements above Nickel and possibly the light p-nuclei. The reaction path of the vp-process lies in a region where nuclear masses are partly unknown and all involved reaction rates are based on theoretical predictions. Detailed studies of the vp-process nucleosynthesis and its uncertainty due to the nuclear physics are presented, with a focus on the reaction path at and above 56Ni. The vp-process path is found to be mainly determined by nuclear structure and thus is trajectory independent. Critical nuclear physics input are identified and the impact of uncertainties on the resulting nucleosynthesis is discussed. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.