Stellar electron-capture rates calculated with the finite-temperature   relativistic random-phase approximation
  We introduce a self-consistent microscopic theoretical framework for modelling the process of electron capture on nuclei in stellar environment, based on relativistic energy density functionals. The finite-temperature relativistic mean-field model is used to calculate the single-nucleon basis and the occupation factors in a target nucleus, and $J^{\pi} = 0^{\pm}$, $1^{\pm}$, $2^{\pm}$ charge-exchange transitions are described by the self-consistent finite-temperature relativistic random-phase approximation. Cross sections and rates are calculated for electron capture on 54,56Fe and 76,78Ge in stellar environment, and results compared with predictions of similar and complementary model calculations. 
YiFei Niu, Nils Paar, Dario Vretenar, Jie Meng
nucl-th