Alpha-beta-gamma theory

Japanese: αβγ理論（英語表記）alpha-beta-gamma theory

This theory on the origin of elements was proposed jointly by Alper, Bethe, and Gamow in 1948. In the early stages of the expanding universe, nuclear fusion occurs easily due to the high temperature and density, and heavy atomic nuclei are produced one after another. In other words, this theory states that most elements were created within a few minutes of the beginning of the universe. However, following this theory would make it impossible to create elements with atomic numbers higher than carbon, so it was ignored for a long time. However, a major revision by Kyoto University's Hayashi Chushiro has been made and now closely matches the observed abundance of helium and other elements in the universe.

Incidentally, the research was initially carried out only by Gamow and Alper, but when Gamow submitted the paper he added Bethe's name to the list of authors, since they were good friends. Bethe later performed some detailed recalculations and duly fulfilled his responsibilities as a co-researcher.

Source: Asakura Publishing Dictionary of Laws Information

Japanese:

1948年に，アルパー，ベーテ，ガモフの連名で提出された，元素起源に関する理論．膨張宇宙の初期段階では，高温高密度であるために核融合が容易に起き，次々に重い原子核が生成する．すなわち，宇宙開闢から数分間のうちに大部分の元素がつくられてしまうのだというものである．ただ，これに従うと炭素よりも原子番号の大きな元素の生成が不可能となってしまうため，久しく顧みられなかったが，京都大学の林忠四郎の手により大改訂を受けたものは，ヘリウムなどの宇宙存在度の観測事実とよく合致している．

なお，最初はガモフ（Gamow）とアルバー（Alper）だけの研究であったが，ガモフが論文投稿の時点で，親友だからということで勝手にベーテ（Bethe）の名を執筆者に加えたのだということである．ベーテは後に一部の詳しい再計算を行って共同研究者としてきちんと責務を果した．

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