Neutron capture in the r-process

Recently we have shown that neutron capture rates on nuclei near stability significantly influence the r-process abundance pattern. We discuss the different mechanisms by which the abundance pattern is sensitive to the capture rates and identify key nuclei whose rates are of particular importance. Here we consider nuclei in the A = 130 and A = 80 regions. The r-process abundance pattern is shaped by nuclear physics. While beta decay rates and nuclear masses may have the greatest leverage on this pattern, we have shown neutron capture rates also play an important role in finalizing the abundance distribution. We have described two mechanisms by which individual neutron capture rates can impact the global r-process abundance pattern - an early time photodissociation effect and a late time neutron capture effect - and we have identified a set of influential rates in the A = 130 region. We look forward to future theoretical and experimental efforts to improve cross section values and further clarify these effects.