One of the most important questions in the field of nuclear astrophysics is the origin of the elements heavier than iron. It is well known that there are three main processes responsible for the nucleosynthesis of the heavier elements: two neutron-induced processes (s- and r-process) that create the majority of these nuclei and a third process (p-process), which is called upon to produce the small number of neutron-deficient isotopes (p-nuclei) that are not reached by the other two processes. This latter process is the main focus of this talk. I will discuss the suggested stellar environments where the p-process possibly takes place, present the current status of the experimental efforts and highlight the future needs and developments in the field.

Argonne Physics Division Seminar Schedule