Sweeping across the chart of nuclides with neutrons: nucleosynthesis paths and termination at different neutron densities

Neutron captures are crucial nuclear processes to create isotopes heavier than iron in various astrophysical environments. The neutron density at which neutron captures operate is a key factor of their unique nucleosynthesis paths and final abundance yields. Classical examples are the slow, intermediate, and rapid neutron capture processes characterized by their distinct ranges of neutron densities. We use the PRISM reaction network code to probe nucleosynthesis paths and termination associated with a blast of neutrons into astrophysical environments at different injection strengths and timescales. We observe that varying neutron exposures bring nucleosynthesis paths away from the stability valley towards the neutron dripline, and these distinct paths terminate via reactions and decays of different nuclear species. In this talk, we will present cases that resemble established neutron capture processes but are not simulated using traditional methods, and we also highlight transitional cases by examining their more exotic abundance patterns.