Photodisintegration

Photodisintegration is a nuclear process in which an atomic nucleus absorbs a high-energy gamma ray, causing it to enter an excited state and immediately emit a subatomic particle. This process is a key mechanism in the astrophysical production of heavy elements, particularly in environments with high-energy radiation, such as supernovae and active galactic nuclei.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Photodisintegration is a type of nuclear reaction that occurs when a nucleus absorbs a gamma ray and emits a particle. This process is the reverse of photoelectric and Compton scattering, where a gamma ray is absorbed and an electron is emitted.

In photodisintegration, the absorbed gamma ray has enough energy to overcome the nuclear binding energy, causing the nucleus to emit a particle. The emitted particle can be a proton, neutron, alpha particle, or another nucleus, depending on the specific reaction.

Role in Astrophysics[edit | edit source]

Photodisintegration plays a crucial role in the production of heavy elements in the universe. In high-energy environments such as supernovae and active galactic nuclei, the intense radiation can cause nuclei to undergo photodisintegration. This process can lead to the production of heavy elements through a series of reactions known as the r-process.

The r-process, or rapid neutron-capture process, involves the rapid absorption of neutrons by a nucleus, followed by beta decay. Photodisintegration can provide the necessary neutrons for this process, contributing to the synthesis of heavy elements.