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Phase transition to hyperon matter in neutron stars
Jürgen Schaffner-Bielich1, Matthias Hanauske, Horst Stöcker
1Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027, USA.
Physical Review Letters
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Neutron star matter may contain hyperons, which are subatomic particles. A strong hyperon interaction could lead to hyperon stars with small radii, around 8 km.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Astrophysics
- Particle Physics
Background:
- Recent advancements suggest hyperons constitute a significant portion of matter in neutron stars.
- Understanding the high-density phase of neutron stars is crucial for nuclear physics and astrophysics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the impact of strong hyperon-hyperon interactions on compact star properties.
- Explore the possibility of phase transitions to hyperonic matter within neutron stars.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a hadronic equation of state incorporating hyperons.
- Analyzed the conditions for a phase transition to hyperonic matter.
Main Results:
- A first-order phase transition to hyperonic matter is possible with hyperons in the equation of state.
- Hyperon stars can exhibit notably small radii, approximately 8 km.
Conclusions:
- The presence of hyperons and their interactions significantly influence the structure of compact stars.
- The findings suggest that some neutron stars may be 'hyperon stars' with compact radii.