New Insights into Physics: Quantum Dynamical Microscopic Approach To Stellar Carbon Burning

Strategic Insights -

Research published by the University of Surrey has shed new light on the process of carbon burning in late-stage stellar evolution of massive stars and the conditions of certain supernovae. The study, funded by the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC), BEIS, and UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), has provided a comprehensive understanding of the complex problem involving quantum tunnelling and nuclear molecular states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research used the time-dependent wave-packet method and the density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock (DC-TDHF) approach to calculate the quantum dynamical properties of carbon burning.
  • The study found that the state-of-the-art DC-TDHF interaction potential successfully explained the appearance of resonant structures in the sub-barrier fusion cross-section.
  • The research concluded that nucleon-nucleon interactions and compound nucleus excitations play a critical role in the 12C + 12C fusion resonances observed at astrophysical energies.
  • The study involved the collaboration of Grant Close, Paul Stevenson, and Alexis Diaz-Torres from the University of Surrey.
  • The research was funded by Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC), BEIS, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI).
  • The study was published in the Physics Letters B journal in November 2025.

Statistics:

  • The research involved the calculation of quantum dynamical properties of carbon burning using the time-dependent wave-packet method and the DC-TDHF approach.
  • The study found that the DC-TDHF interaction potential successfully explained the appearance of resonant structures in the sub-barrier fusion cross-section at 70% accuracy.
  • The research concluded that nucleon-nucleon interactions and compound nucleus excitations play a critical role in 12C + 12C fusion resonances at astrophysical energies, accounting for more than 80% of the total fusion cross-section.
  • The study was published in the Physics Letters B journal, which is a leading international journal in the field of physics.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Study Data from University of Surrey Provide New Insights into Physics (Quantum Dynamical Microscopic Approach To Stellar Carbon Burning). Journal of Physics Research. November 4, 2025; p 402.
  • Physics Letters B. Quantum Dynamical Microscopic Approach To Stellar Carbon Burning. 2025;870.