Precise mass measurements of radioactive nuclides for astrophysics

Abstract

Much of astrophysics is fueled by nuclear physics with observables, such as energy output and elements produced, that are heavily dependent on the masses of the nuclides. A mass precision of at least 50 keV/c2 for many rare nuclides is needed to adequately discriminate models that explain the observables. In recent decades, the development of new facilities and mass-measurement techniques has made available a wealth of precise and accurate mass data. The new data, in combination with novel codes and models, has greatly enhanced the understanding of astrophysical processes in the universe, but much is still to be learned.