# Microscopic Modeling of Hot and Dense Neutron-Rich Matter

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Texas A&M University (TX) · $300,000

## Abstract

At the end of their lives, massive stars undergo highly energetic supernova explosions, which enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements that then go on to become the building blocks for new stars, planets, and even life. Although the basic physical processes that drive supernova explosions are generally understood, a detailed description of the explosion dynamics and the properties of the matter created under the extreme conditions of density and temperature remain elusive. These properties are crucial for a precise understanding of elemental production in supernovae and the chemical evolution of our galaxy. To probe more deeply into the physics of supernova explosions, neutrinos play a pivotal role. Neutrinos are abundantly produced during supernovae, and since they interact weakly with the surrounding matter, they can carry information about the deep microphysical environments in which they are produced. Understanding neutrino physics in supernovae therefore remains a key challenge in both astrophysics and nuclear physics.

This project investigates the role of nuclear many-body correlations and mean fields in modifying neutrino absorption and scattering rates in supernova environments, starting from microscopic models of nuclear two-body and three-body forces. The work develops new statistical inference tools for propagating uncertainties in the nuclear force to observable properties of the neutrinos created in supernovae. A significant outcome of the project wi

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2514930
- **Awardee organization:** Texas A&M University (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JF6XLNB4CDJ5
- **PI:** Jeremy Holt
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), Windows on the Universe (WoU)
- **Estimated total:** $300,000
- **Funds obligated:** $300,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2514930

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2514930, Microscopic Modeling of Hot and Dense Neutron-Rich Matter. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2514930. Licensed CC0.

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