Astrophysical roles for giant resonances in exotic nuclei Original Research Article

An overview of the role of giant resonances in three different astrophysical schemes is given. These studies are possible thanks to the recent advent of microscopic QRPA models based on a single energy functional including pairing effects. First the existence of collective modes in the inner crust of neutron stars is discussed. Second, the dipole strength being a major component of the nuclear statistical (de-)excitation mechanism, it is crucial to predict the E1 strength on several hundreds of neutron-rich nuclei involved in the r-process, which can occur from a decompression of the neutron star crust. Finally a description for the propagation of the Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR), from an extra-Galactic source towards the Earth, is necessary in order to solve the mystery of their composition. UHECR may be composed of protons and nuclei lighter than Iron.