Experiments relevant to r-process nucleosynthesis at RIBF*

The rapid neutron capture process (r process), sequence of neutron capture and β-decay process, is known to be responsible for the synthesis of approximately half of nuclides heavier than iron. Recently, binary neutron star coalescence candidate was discovered together with an evidence of a kilonova powered by the radioacitive decay of r-process nuclei in the ejecta.

Experimental measurements for the masses, the neutron capture rates, the β-decay rates, and β-delayed neutron emission probabilities of very neutron-rich nuclei are required to understand the mechanism of the r-process nucleosynthesis. We will present the high-lights and future perspectives of the RIBF experimental programs relevant to the r-process nucleosynthesis.