White Dwarf Research Articles

The Effects of Cooling on Boundary Layer Accretion

In many cases accretion proceeds from disks onto planets, stars, white dwarfs, and neutron stars via a boundary layer, a region of intense shear where gas transitions from a near-Keplerian speed to that of the surface. These regions are not susceptible to the common magnetorotational and Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities, and instead global modes generated by supersonic shear instabilities are a leading candidate to govern transport in these regions. This work investigates the dynamics of these systems under a range of thermodynamic conditions, surveying both disk sound speeds and cooling rates. Very fast and very slow cooling have little effect on wave dynamics: In the fast-cooling limit, waves propagate in an effectively isothermal manner, and in the slow-cooling limit, wave propagation is effectively adiabatic. However, when the cooling timescale is comparable to the wave period, wave damping becomes extreme. In cases with intermediate cooling rates, mass and angular momentum transport can be suppressed by orders of magnitude compared to isothermal and uncooled cases. Cooling in accretion disks leads to a preference for wavenumbers near and below the Mach number of the disk; the corresponding lower frequencies can (in nonisothermal systems) couple to gravity modes within the star, potentially driving low-frequency variability such as dwarf nova and quasi-periodic oscillations in accreting systems.

On acoustic solitary waves in a multispecies degenerate relativistic magnetized plasma using physics informed neural networks

In this paper, we investigate the nonlinear electrostatic wave propagation in a two-dimensional magnetized plasma. The plasma consists of electron and positron components with relativistic degeneracy and stationary ions for neutralizing its background. Using the basic equations for this type of plasma in combination with the reductive perturbation method, we derived the Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation using the Lorentz transformation stretching method (LT). For the first time, we compared the results of the Galilean transformation stretching method (GT) and the LT method to investigate the effect of plasma parameters, such as the relativistic degeneracy parameter of electron particles (re0), the density ratio of ion to electrons (δ), and the normalized electron cyclotron (Ωe), on the amplitude and width of the wave solutions. The plasma parameters used in this research are representative of compact astrophysical objects. Numerical results showed that the amplitude of wave solutions obtained by the LT method is smaller than the GT method, but the width is greater. We provide a physical explanation for these differences. Furthermore, we present a physics-informed neural network (PINN) approach to directly recover the intrinsic nonlinear dynamics from spatiotemporal data. The PINN model uses a deep neural network constrained by the governing equations to learn the optimal parameters, with the aim of enhancing the predictive capabilities of the system. The results of this study provide valuable insight into the propagation of nonlinear waves in white dwarfs, where relativistic effects are significant. These findings could substantially advance the development of emerging machine learning applications in astrophysics.

The Impact of Nova Outbursts on the Chemical Abundance of the Interstellar Medium

Nova outbursts are the results of thermonuclear runaways, which occur when sufficient material accretes on the surfaces of white dwarfs (WDs). Using the MESA code, we construct a detailed grid for carbon-oxygen and oxygen-neon-magnesium novae. By employing population synthesis methods, we conduct a statistical analysis of the distribution of novae in the Milky Way. In our models, on average, a typical nova system may undergo about 8000 eruptions and the Galactic nova rate is ∼130 yr−1. The C, N, and O elements in nova ejecta are strongly affected by the mixing degree between WD core and accreted material. Our results show that the average value of 12C/13C in nova ejecta is about an order of magnitude lower than that on the surface of a red giant, that for 16O/17O is about 5 times lower, and that for 14N/15N is about 1.5 times lower. The annual yields of 13C , 15N, and 17O from nova ejection are larger than those from AGB stars. This indicates that compared to a red giant, nova eruptions are a more important source of the odd-numbered nuclear elements of 13C , 15N, and 17O in the Galactic interstellar medium.

Dark matter induced baryonic feedback in galaxies

We demonstrate that nongravitational interactions between dark matter and baryonic matter can affect structural properties of galaxies. Detailed galaxy simulations and analytic estimates demonstrate that dark matter which collects inside white dwarf stars and ignites type Ia supernovae can substantially alter star formation, stellar feedback, and the halo density profile through a dark matter induced baryonic feedback process, distinct from usual supernova feedback in galaxies. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

EROSITA (eRASS1) study of the Canis Major overdensity: Developing a multi-wavelength algorithm for classifying faint X-ray sources

Context. Using data from eROSITA (extended Roentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) on board Spektrum-Roentgen- Gamma (Spektr-RG, SRG) taken during the first eROSITAall-sky survey (eRASS1), we performed the first X-ray classification and population study in the field of the Canis Major overdensity (CMa OD), which is an elliptical-shaped stellar overdensity located at l = -240°, b = −80°. Aims. This study aims to identify the X-ray sources in CMa OD. We developed a classification algorithm using multi-wavelength criteria as a preliminary method for the classification of faint X-ray sources, specifically in regions with a high source number density. Methods. We used the brightness of the multi-wavelength counterparts (mainly from infrared and optical catalogues), along with the X-ray flux and X-ray hardness ratios (HRs) to classify the sources. Results. Out of a total number of 8311 X-ray sources, we classified 1029 sources as Galactic stars and binaries in the foreground, 946 sources as active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and galaxies in the background, and 435 sources with stellar counterparts that may belong to either the MW or CMa OD. Among the sources with a stellar counterpart, we identified 34 symbiotic star candidates, plus 335 sources, of which the infrared (IR) counterparts have properties of M-giants in CMa OD. Moreover, there is a known high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB, 4U 0728-25) in the field of our study; according to the Gaia parallax of its companion, it appears to be a member of CMa OD. There is also a recently detected transient low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB, SRGt J071522.1-191609) is also present; it may be a member of CMa OD based on its companion, which is most likely highly absorbed and is thus located behind the Galactic disk. In addition, we present the X-ray luminosity function (XLF) of members and candidate members of CMa OD. It is dominated by sources with luminosities of <2 × 1032–1033 erg s−1 in the energy range of 0.2–2.3 keV. These sources are expected to be either accreting white dwarfs or quiescent LMXBs.

Double white dwarf binary population in MOCCA star clusters

There could be a significant population of double white dwarf binaries (DWDs) inside globular clusters (GCs); however, these binaries are often too faint to be individually observed. We have utilized a large number GC models evolved with the Monte Carlo Cluster Simulator (MOCCA) code to create a large statistical dataset of DWDs. These models include multiple-stellar populations, resulting in two distinct initial populations: one dense and the other less dense. Due to the lower density of one population, a large number of objects escape during the early GC evolution, leading to a high mass-loss rate. In this dataset we have analyzed three main groups of DWDs, namely in-cluster binaries, escaped binaries, and binaries formed from the isolated evolution of primordial binaries. We compared the properties of these groups to observations of close and wide binaries. We find that the number of escaping DWDs is significantly larger than the number of in-cluster binaries and those that form via the isolated evolution of all primordial binaries in our GC models. This suggests that dynamics play an important role in the formation of DWDs. For close binaries, we found a good agreement in the separations of escaped binaries and isolated binaries, but in-cluster binaries showed slight differences. We could not reproduce the observed extremely low mass WDs due to the limitations of our stellar and binary evolution prescriptions. For wide binaries, we also found a good agreement in the separations and masses, after accounting for observational selection effects. Even though the current observational samples of DWDs are extremely biased and incomplete, we conclude that our results compare reasonably well with observations.

Searching for the mHz variability in the TESS observations of nova-like cataclysmic variables

We investigated the fast optical variability of selected nova-like cataclysmic variables observed by the satellite. We searched for break frequencies b $) in the corresponding power density spectra (PDS). The goal is to study whether these systems in an almost permanent high optical state exhibit preferred $f_ b $ around 1\,mHz. We selected non-interrupted light curve portions with durations of 5 and 10 days. We divided these portions into ten equally long light curve subsamples and calculated mean PDS. We searched for $f_ b $ in the frequency interval from log($f$/Hz) = -3.5 to -2.4. We defined as a positive detection when the $f_ b $ was present in at least 50<!PCT!> of the light curve portions with a predefined minimum number of detections. We have measured $f_ b $ in 15 nova-like systems and confirmed that the value of this frequency is clustered around 1\,mHz with a maximum of the distribution between log($f$/Hz) = -2.95 and -2.84. The confidence that this maximum is not a random feature of a uniform distribution is at least 96<!PCT!>. This is a considerable improvement on the previous value of 69<!PCT!>. We discuss the origin of these b $ in the context of the sandwich model in which a central hot X-ray corona surrounds a central optically thick disc. This scenario could be supported by a correlation between the white dwarf mass and $f_ b $; the larger the mass, the lower the frequency. We see such a tendency in the measured data; however, the data are too scattered and based on a low number of measurements. Finally, it appears that systems with detected $f_ b $ have a lower inclination than 60-75$^ circ $. In higher-inclination binaries, the central disc is not seen and the PDS is dominated by red noise. This also supports the inner disc regions as being the source of the observed $f_ b

A Comparison of Best Fits Obtained in White Dwarf Asteroseismology Using the WDEC and the LPCODE

We perform the asteroseismic fitting of four DAVs using a grid of WDEC models with chemical profiles that closely mimic those of the LPCODE models and compare them with published asteroseismic fitting results using the LPCODE. These four objects are KIC 11911480, J113655.17+040952.6, KIC 4552982, and GD 1212. The similarities in the results in those controlled experiments point to a consistency in the models. Given similar input, the LPCODE and the WDEC make similar models and calculate similar periods. We further perform the asteroseismic fitting of the same four DAVs by relaxing the constraints on the chemical profiles. We explore the effects of different methods for weighing the modes when calculating the goodness of fit of the models, as well as the effect of only including a subset of the known period spectrum. Such numerical experiments can help place recent and future efforts in the pipeline fitting of numerous DAVs and DBVs using the WDEC on a firmer footing.

Tidal Disruption of a Star on a Nearly Circular Orbit

We consider Roche lobe overflow (RLO) from a low-mass star on a nearly circular orbit, onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH). If mass transfer is unstable, its rate accelerates in a runaway process, resulting in highly super-Eddington mass accretion rates, accompanied by an optically thick outflow emanating from the SMBH vicinity. This produces a 1–4 week long, bright optical/ultraviolet flare, accompanied by a 1–10 year long X-ray precursor and post-cursor emitted from the accretion flow onto the SMBH. Such “Circular Tidal Disruption Events” (TDEs) represent a new class of nuclear transients, occurring at up to 1%–10% of the canonical parabolic tidal disruption event rate. Near-breakup rotation and strong tidal deformation of the star prior to disruption could lead to strong magnetic fields, making circular TDEs possible progenitors of jetted TDEs. Outflows prior to the final stellar disruption produce a circumnuclear environment (CNM) with ∼10−2 M⊙ at distances of ∼0.01–0.1 pc, likely leading to bright radio emission, and also similar to the CNM inferred for jetted TDEs. We discuss broader connections between circular TDEs and other recently identified classes of transients associated with galactic nuclei, such as repeating TDEs and quasi-periodic X-ray eruptions, as well as possible connections to luminous fast blue optical transients such as AT2018cow. We also discuss observational signatures of the analogous RLO of a white dwarf around an intermediate-mass BH, which may be a multimessenger source in the LISA era.

PSR J1227−6208 and its massive white dwarf companion: Pulsar emission analysis, timing update, and mass measurements

PSR J1227−6208 is a 34.53-ms recycled pulsar with a massive companion. This system has long been suspected to belong to the emerging class of massive recycled pulsar−ONeMg white dwarf systems such as PSR J2222−0137, PSR J1528−3146, and J1439−5501. Here, we present an updated emission and timing analysis with more than 11 years of combined Parkes and MeerKAT data, including 19 hours of high-frequency data from the newly installed MeerKAT S-band receivers. We measure a scattering timescale of 1.22 ms at 1 GHz with a flat scattering index of 3.33 < β < 3.62, and a mean flux density of 0.53 − 0.62 mJy at 1 GHz with a steep spectral index of 2.06 < α < 2.35. Around 15% of the emission is linearly and circularly polarised, but the polarisation angle does not follow the rotating vector model. Thanks to the sensitivity of MeerKAT, we successfully measure a rate of periastron advance of ω7 = 0.0171(11) deg yr−1, and a Shapiro delay with an orthometric amplitude of h3 = 3.6 ± 0.5 μs and an orthometric ratio of ς = 0.85 ± 0.05. The main source of uncertainty in our timing analysis is chromatic correlated dispersion measure noise, which we model as a power law in the Fourier space thanks to the large frequency coverage provided by the Parkes UWL receiver. Assuming general relativity and accounting for the measurements across all the implemented timing noise models, the total mass, companion mass, pulsar mass, and inclination angle are constrained at 2.3 < Mt/M⊙ < 3.2, 1.21 < Mc/M⊙ < 1.47, 1.16 < Mp/M⊙ < 1.69, and 77.5 < i/deg < 80.3. We also constrain the longitude of ascending node to either Ωa = 266 ± 78 deg or Ωa = 86 ± 78 deg. We argue against a neutron star nature of the companion based on the very low orbital eccentric of the system (e = 1.15 × 10−3), and instead classify the companion of PSR J1227−6208 as a rare, massive ONeMg white dwarf close to the Chandrasekhar limit.

A spectroscopic and kinematic survey of fast hot subdwarfs

Hot subdwarfs (sdO/B) are the stripped helium cores of red giants formed via binary interactions. Close hot subdwarf binaries with massive white dwarf companions have been proposed as possible progenitors of thermonuclear supernovae type Ia (SN Ia). If the supernova is triggered by stable mass transfer from the helium star, the companion should survive the explosion and should be accelerated to high velocities. The hypervelocity star US 708 is regarded as the prototype for such an ejected companion. To find more of those objects we conducted an extensive spectroscopic survey. Candidates for such fast stars have been selected from the spectroscopic database of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and several ground-based proper-motion surveys. Follow-up spectroscopy has been obtained with several 4m- to 10m-class telescopes. Combining the results from quantitative spectroscopic analyses with space-based astrometry from Gaia Early Data Release 3 (EDR3) we determined the atmospheric and kinematic parameters of 53 fast hot subdwarf stars. None of these stars is unbound to the Galaxy, although some have Galactic restframe velocities close to the Galactic escape velocity. 21 stars are apparently single objects, that crossed the Galactic disc within their lifetimes in the sdO/B stage and could be regarded as potential candidates for the SN Ia ejection scenario. However, the properties of the full sample are more consistent with a pure old Galactic halo population. We therefore conclude that the fast sdO/B stars we found are likely to be extreme halo stars.

Investigation of the white dwarfs based on deformed Lane–Emden equation

In this article, gravity is considered with deviation and we solved the Lane-Emden equation using this deviation, first, we calculated the pressure and potential due to gravity, and considering the density resulting from solving this equation, we obtained the radius of the white dwarf in different states. We obtained the ordinary cases when the deformation parameter goes to zero.

Searching for new cataclysmic variables in the Chandra Source Catalog

Aims. Cataclysmic variables (CVs) are compact binary systems in which a white dwarf accretes matter from a Roche-lobe-filling companion star. For this study we searched for new CVs in the Milky Way in the Chandra Source Catalog v2.0, cross-matched with Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3). Methods. We identified new CV candidates by combining X-ray and optical data in a color-color diagram called the X-ray main sequence. We used two different cuts in this diagram to compile pure and optically variable samples of CV candidates. We undertook optical spectroscopic follow-up observations with the Keck and Palomar Observatories to confirm the nature of these sources. Results. We assembled a sample of 25 887 Galactic X-ray sources and found 14 new CV candidates. Seven objects show X-ray and/or optical variability. All sources show X-ray luminosity in the 1029 − 1032 erg s−1 range, and their X-ray spectra can be approximated by a power-law model with photon indices in the Γ ∼ 1 − 3 range or an optically thin thermal emission model in the kT ∼ 1 − 70 keV range. We spectroscopically confirmed four CVs, discovering two new polars, one low accretion rate polar and a WZ Sge-like low accretion rate CV. X-ray and optical properties of the other nine objects suggest that they are also CVs (likely magnetic or dwarf novae), and one other object could be an eclipsing binary, but revealing their true nature requires further observations. Conclusions. These results show that a joint X-ray and optical analysis can be a powerful tool for finding new CVs in large X-ray and optical catalogs. X-ray observations such as those by Chandra are particularly efficient at discovering magnetic and low accretion rate CVs, which could be missed by purely optical surveys.

X-Ray Flashes on Helium Novae

A helium nova occurs on a white dwarf (WD) accreting hydrogen-deficient matter from a helium star companion. When the mass of a helium envelope on the WD reaches a critical value, unstable helium burning ignites to trigger a nova outburst. A bright soft X-ray phase appears in an early outbursting phase of a helium nova before it optically rises toward maximum. Such an X-ray bright phase is called the X-ray flash. We present theoretical light curves of X-ray flashes for 1.0, 1.2, and 1.35 M ☉ helium novae with mass accretion rates of (1.6–7.5) × 10−7 M ☉ yr−1. Long durations of the X-ray flashes (100 days–10 yr) and high X-ray luminosities (∼1038 erg s−1) indicate that X-ray flashes are detectable as a new type of X-ray transient or persistent X-ray sources. An X-ray flash is a precursor of optical brightening, so that the detection of X-ray flashes on helium novae enables us to plan arranged observation for optical premaximum phases that have been one of the frontiers of the study of novae. We found a candidate object of helium-burning X-ray flash from the literature on extragalactic X-ray surveys. This X-ray transient source is consistent with our X-ray flash model of a 1.35 M ⊙ WD.

Semiclassical Equivalence of Two White Dwarf Models as Ground States of the Relativistic Hartree–Fock and Vlasov–Poisson energies

AbstractWe are concerned with the semi-classical limit for ground states of the relativistic Hartree–Fock energies (HF) under a mass constraint, which are considered as the quantum mean-field model of white dwarfs (Lenzmann and Lewin in Duke Math J 152:257–315, 2010). In Jang and Seok (Kinet Relat Models 15:605–620, 2022), fermionic ground states of the relativistic Vlasov–Poisson energy (VP) are constructed as a classical mean-field model of white dwarfs, and are shown to be equivalent to the classical Chandrasekhar model. In this paper, we prove that as the reduced Planck constant $$\hbar $$ ħ goes to the zero, the $$\hbar $$ ħ -parameter family of the ground energies and states of (HF) converges to the fermionic ground energy and state of (VP) with the same mass constraint.

TIC 441725813: A new bright hybrid hot B subdwarf pulsator with differential core versus envelope rotation

Context. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) performs high-precision photometry over almost the whole sky primarily in search of exoplanet transits. It also provides exquisite data to study stellar variability, in particular for pulsating hot B subdwarf (sdB) stars. Aims. We present a detailed analysis of a new hybrid (p- and g-mode) sdB pulsator, TIC 441725813 (TYC 4427-1021-1), discovered and monitored by TESS for 670 days. Methods. The TESS light curves available for this star were analysed using prewhitening techniques to extract mode frequencies accurately. The pulsation spectrum was then interpreted through methods that include asymptotic period spacing relationships and the identification of rotational multiplets. We also exploited a high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), low-resolution spectrum of TIC 441725813 using grids of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) model atmospheres to derive its atmospheric parameters. Results. The light curve analysis reveals that frequencies are mostly found in the g-mode region, but several p-modes are also detected, indicating that TIC 441725813 is a hybrid sdB pulsator. We identify 25 frequencies that can be associated with ℓ = 1 g-modes, 15 frequencies corresponding to ℓ = 2 g-modes, and six frequencies characteristic of p-modes. Interestingly, several frequency multiplets interpreted as rotational splittings of deep-probing g-modes indicate a slow rotation period of at least 85.3 ± 3.6 day, while splittings of mostly envelope-probing p-modes suggest a significantly shorter rotation period of 17.9 ± 0.7 day, which implies the core (mainly the helium mantle with possibly the deeper partially mixed helium-burning core that it surrounds) rotates at least 4.7 times slower than the envelope. The radial velocity curves indicate that TIC 441725813 is in a close binary system with a low-luminosity companion, possibly a white dwarf. While elusive in the available TESS photometry, a low-frequency signal that would correspond to a period of ∼6.7 h is found, albeit at a low S/N. Furthermore, we estimate the inclination angle to be ∼60° by two independent means. Conclusions. TIC 441725813 is a particularly interesting sdB star whose envelope rotates faster than the core. We hypothesise that this might be caused by the effects of a tidal interaction with a companion, although in the present case, the presence of such a companion will have to be further investigated. This analysis paves the way towards a more detailed seismic probing of TIC 441725813 using optimisation techniques, which will be presented in a second paper.

Detection of a new sample of Galactic white dwarfs in the direction of the Small Magellanic Cloud

Aims. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) in identifying and characterizing white dwarfs (WDs) within the Milky Way Galaxy. Methods. Leveraging the UVIT point-source catalogue towards the Small Magellanic Cloud and cross-matching it with Gaia DR3 data, we identified 43 single WDs (37 new detections), 13 new WD+main-sequence candidates, and 161 UV bright main-sequence stars by analysing their spectral energy distributions. Using the WD evolutionary models, we determined the masses, effective temperatures, and cooling ages of these identified WDs. Results. The masses of these WDs range from 0.2 to 1.3 M⊙ and the effective temperatures (Teff) lie between 10 000 K to 15 000 K, with cooling ages spanning 0.1–2 Gyr. Notably, we detect WDs that are hotter than reported in the literature, which we attribute to the sensitivity of UVIT. Furthermore, we report the detection of 20 new extremely low-mass candidates from our analysis. Future spectroscopic studies of the extremely low-mass candidates will help us understand the formation scenarios of these exotic objects. Despite limitations in Gaia DR3 distance measurements for optically faint WDs, we provide a crude estimate of the WD space density within 1kpc of 1.3 × 10−3 pc−3, which is higher than previous estimates in the literature. Conclusions. Our results underscore the instrumental capabilities of UVIT and anticipate forthcoming UV missions such as INSIST for systematic WD discovery. Our method sets a precedent for future analyses in other UVIT fields to find more WDs and perform spectroscopic studies to verify their candidacy.

Searching for magnetic fields in featureless white dwarfs with the DIPOL-UF polarimeter at the Nordic Optical Telescope

About 20% of the white dwarfs possess a magnetic field that may be detected by the splitting and/or polarization of their spectral lines. As they cool, the effective temperatures of the white dwarfs become so low that no spectral lines can be seen in the visible wavelength range. If their atmospheres are not polluted by the debris of a planetary system, these cool white dwarfs have featureless optical spectra. Until quite recently, very little was known about the incidence of magnetic fields in these objects. However, when observed with polarimetric techniques, a significant number of featureless white dwarfs reveal strong magnetic fields in their optical continuum spectra. Measuring the occurrence rate and strength of magnetic fields in old white dwarfs may help us to understand how these fields are generated and evolve. We report the results of an ongoing survey of cool white dwarfs with the high-precision broad-band polarimeter DIPOL-UF, which is deployed at the Nordic Optical Telescope on La Palma, Spain. This survey has led to the firm discovery of 13 new cool magnetic white dwarfs in the solar neighborhood so far, including six new detections that we report in this paper.

Large-scale ordered magnetic fields generated in mergers of helium white dwarfs

Stellar mergers are one important path to highly magnetised stars. Mergers of two low-mass white dwarfs may create up to every third hot subdwarf star. The merging process is usually assumed to dramatically amplify magnetic fields. However, so far only four highly magnetised hot subdwarf stars have been found, suggesting a fraction of less than $1<!PCT!>$. We present two high-resolution magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) simulations of the merger of two helium white dwarfs in a binary system with the same total mass of $0.6\,M_ We analysed an equal-mass merger with two $0.3\,M_ white dwarfs, and an unequal-mass merger with white dwarfs of $0.25\,M_ and $0.35\,M_ We simulated the inspiral, merger, and further evolution of the merger remnant for about $50$ rotations. We found efficient magnetic field amplification in both mergers via a small-scale dynamo, reproducing previous results of stellar merger simulations. The magnetic field saturates at a similar strength for both simulations. We then identified a second phase of magnetic field amplification in both merger remnants that happens on a timescale of several tens of rotational periods of the merger remnant. This phase generates a large-scale ordered azimuthal field via a large-scale dynamo driven by the magneto-rotational instability. Finally, we speculate that in the unequal-mass merger remnant, helium burning will initially start in a shell around a cold core, rather than in the centre. This forms a convection zone that coincides with the region that contains most of the magnetic energy, and likely destroys the strong, ordered field. Ohmic resistivity might then quickly erase the remaining small-scale field. Therefore, the mass ratio of the initial merger could be the selecting factor that decides if a merger remnant will stay highly magnetised long after the merger.

Compact dwarfs made of light-quark nuggets

Utilizing an equiparticle model with both linear confinement and leading-order perturbative interactions, we obtain systematically the properties of strangelets and nonstrange quark matter (udQM) nuggets at various baryon (A) and charge (Z) numbers, where the detailed single-quark-energy levels are fixed by solving Dirac equations in mean-field approximation. We then examine the structures of compact dwarfs made of light strangelets or udQM nuggets forming body-centered cubic lattices in a uniform electron background. Despite that the strangelets and udQM nuggets generally become more stable at larger A, the compact dwarfs are still stable since the fusion reactions between those objects do not take place in the presence of a Coulomb barrier, which is similar to the cases of light nuclei in normal white dwarfs. If udQM dwarfs or strangelet dwarfs are covered with normal matter, their masses and radii become larger but do not exceed those of ordinary white dwarfs. Finally, we investigate the radial oscillation frequencies of udQM dwarfs and strangelet dwarfs and find that their frequencies are typically higher than traditional white dwarfs. The stability of compact dwarfs are then analyzed by examining radial oscillation frequencies of the fundamental mode, where compact dwarfs covered by normal matter are still stable. Published by the American Physical Society 2024