Phase Conversions in Neutron Stars: Implications for Stellar Stability and Gravitational Wave Astrophysics

Author(s)

Lugones, German ^[1] ; Grunfeld, Ana Gabriela ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, Ave Estados 5001 Bangu, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[2] Comis Nacl Energia Atom, Dept Fis, Av Libertador 8250, RA-1429 Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina

^[3] Consejo Nacl Invest Cient & Tecn, RA-2290 Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: UNIVERSE; v. 7, n. 12 DEC 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

We review the properties of hybrid stars with a quark matter core and a hadronic mantle, focusing on the role of key micro-physical properties such as the quark/hadron surface and curvature tensions and the conversion speed at the interface between both phases. We summarize the results of works that have determined the surface and curvature tensions from microscopic calculations. If these quantities are large enough, mixed phases are energetically suppressed and the quark core would be separated from the hadronic mantle by a sharp interface. If the conversion speed at the interface is slow, a new class of dynamically stable hybrid objects is possible. Densities tens of times larger than the nuclear saturation density can be attained at the center of these objects. We discuss possible formation mechanisms for the new class of hybrid stars and smoking guns for their observational identification. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/10559-5 - Investigation of high energy and plasma astrophysics phenomena: theory, numerical simulations, observations, and instrument development for the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA)
• Grantee: Elisabete Maria de Gouveia Dal Pino
• Support Opportunities: Special Projects