Half-life measurement for the rp-process waiting point nuclide 80Zr
X-ray bursts have been suggested as a possible site for the astrophysical rp-process. The time scale for the process is governed by beta-decay half-lives of several even-even N = Z waiting point nuclei, in particular, N = Z = 40 80Zr. A 4.1(+0.8/-0.6)-s beta(+)/EC half-life for 80Zr was determined by observing delayed 84-keV gamma rays depopulating a T(1/2) = 4-&mgr;s isomer at 312 keV in the daughter 80Y. As this half-life is lower than many previously predicted values, the calculated excessive production of A = 80 nuclides in astrophysical x-ray burst scenarios is reduced, and less extreme conditions are necessary for the production of heavier nuclides.
Ressler
JJ
Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA.
Piechaczek
A
Walters
WB
Aprahamian
A
Wiescher
M
Batchelder
JC
Bingham
CR
Brenner
DS
Ginter
TN
Gross
CJ
Grzywacz
R
Kulp
D
MacDonald
B
Reviol
W
Rikovska
J
Rykaczewski
K
Winger
JA
Zganjar
EF