The Digital Press

Physicists at Michigan State’s Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) are experimentally recreating how stars produce heavy elements beyond iron by studying rare isotopes and neutron-capture processes. This work is shedding light on the intermediate neutron-capture process (i-process), bridging gaps in understanding stellar element formation.

Why it matters: Pinpointing how heavy elements form explains the cosmic origin of materials like gold, lead, and barium found on Earth and in stars.

The big picture: The i-process is a newly confirmed third pathway alongside the well-known slow (s-) and rapid (r-) neutron-capture processes for creating heavy elements in various stellar environments.

Quick takeaway: FRIB’s accelerator produces rare isotopes by smashing stable elements, allowing scientists to measure neutron capture rates and refine models of stellar nucleosynthesis.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the lab’s innovative methods and progress on the elusive i-process, while some debate the analogies used to describe isotope fragmentation and isolation challenges.