Big bang nucleosynthesis

Details Big bang nucleosynthesis Big bang nucleosynthesis

Oct 2006

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006nupha.777..208f&link_type=abstract

Nuclear Physics A, Volume 777, p. 208-225.

Physics

Nuclear Physics

13

Scientific paper

We present an overview of the standard model of big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN), which describes the production of the light elements in the early universe. The theoretical prediction for the abundances of D, 3He, 4He, and 7Li is discussed. We emphasize the role of key nuclear reactions and the methods by which experimental cross section uncertainties are propagated into uncertainties in the predicted abundances. The observational determination of the light nuclides is also discussed. Particular attention is given to the comparison between the predicted and observed abundances, which yields a measurement of the cosmic baryon content. The spectrum of anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) now independently measures the baryon density to high precision; we show how the CMB data test BBN, and find that the CMB and the D and 4He observations paint a consistent picture. This concordance stands as a major success of the hot big bang. On the other hand, 7Li remains discrepant with the CMB-preferred baryon density; possible explanations are reviewed. Finally, moving beyond the standard model, primordial nucleosynthesis constraints on early universe and particle physics are also briefly discussed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Big bang nucleosynthesis 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 Big bang nucleosynthesis, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Big bang nucleosynthesis will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1020699