Beta Equilibrium under Neutron Star Merger Conditions
Mark Alford, Alexander Haber, Steven P. Harris, Ziyuan Zhang
Abstract
We calculate the nonzero-temperature correction to the beta equilibrium condition in nuclear matter under neutron star merger conditions, in the temperature range 1mEv < T ≲ 5 mEv. We improve on previous work using a consistent description of nuclear matter based on the IUF and SFHo relativistic mean field models. This includes using relativistic dispersion relations for the nucleons, which we show is essential in these models. We find that the nonzero-temperature correction can be of order 10 to 20 MeV, and plays an important role in the correct calculation of Urca rates, which can be wrong by factors of 10 or more if it is neglected.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsNeutron starNuclear matterNuclear physicsNucleonBETA (programming language)Mean field theoryNeutronStar (game theory)Work (physics)Order (exchange)Particle physicsQuantum electrodynamicsAstrophysicsQuantum mechanicsProgramming languageComputer scienceEconomicsFinancePulsars and Gravitational Waves ResearchGamma-ray bursts and supernovaeHigh-Energy Particle Collisions Research