Neutron capture rates for neutron-rich nucleosynthesis

Radiative neutron capture is an important nuclear reaction whose theoretical description is needed for many applications ranging from nuclear technology to nuclear astrophysics. This process relies on the use of Hauser-Feshbach theory which requires the nuclear optical potential, level density, and gamma-strength function as model inputs. I discuss the details of theoretical neutron capture rate calculations and their role in the formation of the heavy elements during neutron-rich nucleosynthesis known as the rapid neutron capture process (r-process). Neutron capture rates of individual nuclei, for instance, may become important during the decay back to stability and also control the exact placement of abundance peaks. The impact on the final abundances of a collective M1 scissors mode operating in highly deformed nuclei is also explored.