Nuclear Physics(DNP)
Physique nucléaire (DPN)

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Hendrik SCHATZ
Michigan State University

Nuclear Physics on Accreting Neutron Stars - from X-Ray Bursts to Superbursts

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We are entering a new era of precision and long-term observations of X-ray binaries with telescopes such as XMM-Newton, the Chandra X-ray observatory, and the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. Of particular interest are burst phenomena on accreting neutron stars, which are powered by nuclear physics processes on the surface of the neutron star such as the rp-process. Once well understood, these systems could serve as unique laboratories for matter under extreme conditions.

Simultaneous progress in nuclear physics is needed for an interpretation of the observational data and to address the many open questions. With new radioactive beam facilities it becomes now possible to study the exotic nuclei that form the reaction chains in X-ray bursts. I will review the open questions, recent observations, new experimental approaches as well as advances in modelling. In particular I will discuss the recently discovered extremely rare, but 1000 times more powerful superbursts. I will also present first results from a new experimental approach to rp-process physics using radioactive beams at the NSCL's Coupled Cyclotron Facility at Michigan State University.