UC San Diego

We explore neutrino capture during [Formula Presented]-process nucleosynthesis in neutrino-driven ejecta from nascent neutron stars. We focus on the interplay between charged-current weak interactions and element synthesis, and we delineate the important role of equilibrium nuclear dynamics. During the period of coexistence of free nucleons and light and/or heavy nuclei, electron neutrino capture inhibits the [Formula Presented]-process. At all stages, capture on free neutrons has a larger impact than capture on nuclei. However, neutrino capture on heavy nuclei by itself, if it is very strong, is also detrimental to the [Formula Presented]-process until large nuclear equilibrium clusters break down and the classical neutron-capture phase of the [Formula Presented]-process begins. The sensitivity of the [Formula Presented]-process to neutrino irradiation means that neutrino-capture effects can strongly constrain the [Formula Presented]-process site, neutrino physics, or both. These results apply also to [Formula Presented]-process scenarios other than the neutrino-heated winds. © 1998 The American Physical Society.