The project has developed new tools to study matter under the most extreme conditions of pressure and temperature found in the observable universe, such as in neutron stars, core-collapse supernovae, and neutron star mergers. In particular, novel machine learning methods have been created to more efficiently calculate important quantum mechanical effects that enhance the pressure in these astrophysical systems. The microscopic modeling of neutron stars carried out in this work has been confronted with new observational data from the electromagnetic and gravitation wave emissions of neutron stars. Both the radii and tidal deformabilities of neutron stars predicted by first-principles nuclear theory were found to be consistent with available observational data. In addition, the project has resulted in predictions for neutron star moments of inertia that can be tested using future radio pulsar timing observations. The project has also developed models of high-energy astrophysical systems at temperatures around 100 billion Kelvin that have been tabulated and provided as inputs to numerical simulations of supernovae and neutron star mergers. 

The project has resulted in new microscopic models for exotic nuclear reactions involving short-lived atomic isotopes that are produced transiently during supernovae and neutron star mergers. These reactions are the pathway for the creation of about half of the chemical elements beyond iron. The microscopic reaction models have passed benchmark tests against existing experimental data and are therefore expected to be useful to describe reactions in regions of the nuclear chart where data is scarce.

The project has developed a new framework to study the effects of nuclear correlations on neutrino scattering and absorption processes occurring in supernovae and neutron star mergers. Neutrinos are a key driver of successful supernova explosions, yet many important quantum effects are not included in present simulations. When coupled with sophisticated modeling of the nuclear force, the framework developed in this project has elucidated the important role of many-body collective modes that suppress neutrino absorption and enhance antineutrino absorption in supernova and neutron star merger environments. This work lays the foundation for updated neutrino opacity tables that can be incorporated in future simulations.

The project has helped disseminate exciting research developments in physics and astronomy to high school students in the Texas Brazos Valley through an integrated lecture and competition series "Saturday Morning Physics". The project supports the national effort to increase participation of underrepresented minorities in physics by engaging the Bryan Independent School District, which includes four high schools and over 4000 students, 75% of whom are African American or Hispanic. The project has helped to enhance active student participation and deeper involvement in the learning of physics and astronomy, while addressing potential barriers faced by underrepresented minorities, including unequal access to technology and societal stereotypes that lead to narrowed perceptions of career paths.

Last Modified: 09/28/2023
Modified by: Jeremy Holt