The importance of measuring Q-values in rapid proton capture process has been investigated. The microscopic optical model, derived using a nucleon–nucleon interaction and densities from relativistic mean field (RMF) calculations, has been utilized to calculate the reaction rates. It has been observed that the Q-values involved in the reactions at waiting points at A = 60 and 64 are very important in determining the final abundance of the process. Some other Q-values also play a crucial role in the final abundance of nuclei near the end point of the process.
Structure and Decay at Rapid Proton Capture Waiting Points