Abstract
We investigate the occurrence of exotic structures in the outermost layers of neutron stars within the framework of a microscopic model describing the nucleonic dynamics through a time-dependent mean field approach at around zero temperature. In this model starting from an initial crystalline lattice of nuclei at subnuclear densities the system evolves and self-organizes in various low-lying energy structures without assumption of final shapes. These structures are studied in terms of a density phase diagram. We investigate their sensitivity to the isotopic composition and to the symmetries of the lattice.
Highlights
Neutron stars are cold, dense and compact objects supported by the degeneracy pressure of neutrons
We investigate the occurrence of exotic structures in the outermost layers of neutron stars within the framework of a microscopic model describing the nucleonic dynamics through a time-dependent mean field approach at around zero temperature
The occurrence of heavy aggregates is deeply related with the ability of the model to describe the spreading of wave functions widths corresponding to unbounded nucleons
Summary
Dense and compact objects supported by the degeneracy pressure of neutrons. As predicted in the early 80’s, in these regions nuclei may adopt exotic shapes. They are assumed to be built as the consequence of the interplay between Coulomb and nuclear forces and to be sensitive to the equation of state (EOS) of nuclear matter. Their existence may have important astrophysical consequences on macroscopic characteristics, as masses and radii [1], as well as on the cooling processes of the star [2]. Their presence should affect the neutrino opacity [3] and the transport properties [4] of the crust
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