Progress in nuclear physics experiments for the study of X-ray bursts

Neutron stars in close binary star systems often accrete matter from their companion star. Thermonuclear ignition of the accreted material in the atmosphere of the neutron star leads to a thermonuclear explosion which is observed as an X-ray burst occurring periodically between hours and days depending on the accretion rate. However, the underlying nuclear processes that power the X-ray bursts are often difficult to measure in accelerator-based laboratories. In this talk, I will discuss recent experimental progress in nuclear physics for the input of X-ray bursts model simulations. In particular, I will present new experiments on the measurements of nuclear breakout reactions from the hot CNO cycle that are critical to the ignition conditions of X-ray bursts. Recent measurements of reaction rates along the rp- and $\alpha$p- process path that determine the X-ray burst light curves will also be discussed. Astrophysical implications of the experimental results will be explored within the context of X-ray burst models.