Ab initio calculation of the Hoyle state

Details Ab initio calculation of the Hoyle state Ab initio calculation of the Hoyle state

2011-01-13

arxiv.org/abs/1101.2547v2

Phys.Rev.Lett.106:192501,2011

Physics

Nuclear Physics

Nuclear Theory

4 pp, 3 eps figs, version accepted for publication in Physical Review Letters

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.192501

The Hoyle state plays a crucial role in the hydrogen burning of stars heavier than our sun and in the production of carbon and other elements necessary for life. This excited state of the carbon-12 nucleus was postulated by Hoyle [1] as a necessary ingredient for the fusion of three alpha particles to produce carbon at stellar temperatures. Although the Hoyle state was seen experimentally more than a half century ago [2,3], nuclear theorists have not yet uncovered the nature of this state from first principles. In this letter we report the first ab initio calculation of the low-lying states of carbon-12 using supercomputer lattice simulations and a theoretical framework known as effective field theory. In addition to the ground state and excited spin-2 state, we find a resonance at -85(3) MeV with all of the properties of the Hoyle state and in agreement with the experimentally observed energy. These lattice simulations provide insight into the structure of this unique state and new clues as to the amount of fine-tuning needed in nature for the production of carbon in stars.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Ab initio calculation of the Hoyle state does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Ab initio calculation of the Hoyle state, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ab initio calculation of the Hoyle state will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-66458