Roland Diehl

My continued science in Nuclear Astrophysics is focused on observations of spectral lines in the nuclear radiation domain (0.1-10 MeV), and their interpretations with respect to the cosmic cycle of matter. Stars and supernovae create new atomic nuclei through fusion reactions in their interior. Once ejected into interstellar space, these mix with ambient gas to form a next generation of stars, under favorable conditions. Alternatively, the feedback from massive stars prevents further star formation, and the metal-enriched gas may even be ejected into intergalactic space. In our work at MPE, we use observations from INTEGRAL and other gamma-ray spectrometers to study radioactive ejecta from stars and supernovae, but also nuclear excitation lines related to cosmic-ray interactions, and the characteristic emission from positrons and their annihilation. Thereby we study stellar evolution and supernovae, as well as compact remnants (neutron stars, black holes), and interstellar-medium processes.

Teaching