Radioactive beams

The interpretation of many astrophysical phenomena relies on an in depth understanding of different areas of physics. Nuclear physics has a particularly influential role in determining the energy and matter evolution at stellar sites. As more extensive observational data is gathered from earth and space observatories, an ever-greater demand is placed on our knowledge of the basic physical processes that underpin astrophysical phenomena. Reactions involving unstable nuclei are at the basis of our understanding of energy production and isotope evolution associated with explosive stellar events. These reactions can be studied with radioactive beams produced at ISOL facilities. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.