An update on the big bang nucleosynthesis prediction for {sup 7}Li: the problem worsens
- Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA), National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 (United States)
- Department of Astronomy, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801 (United States)
The lithium problem arises from the significant discrepancy between the primordial {sup 7}Li abundance as predicted by big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) theory and the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) baryon density, and the pre-Galactic lithium abundance inferred from observations of metal-poor (Population II) stars. This problem has loomed for the past decade, with a persistent discrepancy of a factor of 2-3 in {sup 7}Li/H. Recent developments have sharpened all aspects of the Li problem. Namely: (1) BBN theory predictions have sharpened due to new nuclear data; in particular, the uncertainty on the reaction rate for{sup 3}He({alpha},{gamma}){sup 7}Be has reduced to 7.4%, nearly a factor of 2 tighter than previous determinations. (2) The WMAP five-year data set now yields a cosmic baryon density with an uncertainty reduced to 2.7%. (3) Observations of metal-poor stars have tested for systematic effects. With these, we now find that the BBN+WMAP predicts{sup 7}Li/H = (5.24{sub -0.67}{sup +0.71}) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -10}. The central value represents an increase by 23%, most of which is due to the upward shift in the{sup 3}He({alpha},{gamma}){sup 7}Be rate. More significant is the reduction in the{sup 7}Li/H uncertainty by almost a factor of 2, tracking the reduction in the{sup 3}He({alpha},{gamma}){sup 7}Be error bar. These changes exacerbate the Li problem; the discrepancy is now a factor 2.4 or 4.2{sigma} (from globular cluster stars) to 4.3 or 5.3{sigma} (from halo field stars). Possible resolutions to the lithium problem are briefly reviewed, and key experimental and astronomical measurements highlighted.
- OSTI ID:
- 22156818
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Vol. 2008, Issue 11; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1475-7516
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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