Quark Stars in $f(R,T)$ Gravity: Mass-to-Radius Profiles and Observational Data

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we explore the $f(R,T)$ gravity theory, which introduces a coupling between matter and curvature, through the simplest linear functional form $f(R,T)= R + 2\beta T$. We derive the modified Einstein field equations and conservation equations for this theory. We then apply this framework to study the structural properties of quark stars (QSs) composed of interacting quark matter, considering perturbative QCD corrections and color superconductivity. By solving the modified Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations, we investigate the mass-radius relation, stability criteria, and energy conditions of QSs. Our results indicate that the $f(R,T)$ gravity significantly influences the properties of QSs, leading to deviations from General Relativity. The analysis shows consistency with recent observational data, suggesting that the modified gravity framework could provide viable models for the study of compact stars.