Abstract
Theories of LiBeB nucleosynthesis are reviewed in the context of experimental nuclear reaction cross section data. These fragile elements disintegrate readily in the hot dense conditions present in the Big Bang and stellar evolution. Thus, their synthesis must occur in a cold, dilute cosmological environment. Reactions of H and He ions with CNO nuclei during the passage of galactic cosmic rays through the interstellar medium can account for most of the LiBeB abundances. The isotope 7Li requires production in the Big Bang and other sources. Because Be and B formation requires the existence of CNO formed during stellar evolution, their presence in old halo stars serves as a signal for nucleosynthesis. Measurements of cross sections for LiBeB production can now be combined with highly sensitive new measurements of the elemental abundances of these elements to gain new insights into the chemical evolution of the universe.
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Viola, V.E. (2002). LiBeB Nucleosynthesis and Clues to the Chemical Evolution of the Universe. In: Manuel, O. (eds) Origin of Elements in the Solar System. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-46927-8_16
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-306-46927-8_16
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
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