Inferring three-nucleon couplings from multi-messenger neutron-star observations

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Astrophysics
• Theoretical Physics

Background:

• Understanding nucleon interactions in dense matter is crucial for nuclear physics.
• Effective field theories are key for low-energy nuclear interactions.
• The applicability of these theories within neutron stars remains an open question.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a framework to infer three-nucleon couplings from neutron star observations.
• Connect microscopic quantum field theory couplings to macroscopic astrophysical data.
• Test consistency between terrestrial and astrophysical measurements of nuclear interactions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a novel framework for inferring three-nucleon couplings.
• Applied the framework to LIGO/Virgo event GW170817 and Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) data.
• Utilized chiral effective field theory for describing nuclear interactions.

Main Results:

• Established direct constraints on three-nucleon couplings in dense matter.
• Demonstrated the potential of future neutron star merger observations for stringent coupling constraints.
• Showcased a method to link microscopic couplings to macroscopic neutron star properties.

Conclusions:

• Successfully connected quantum field theory couplings to astrophysical observations.
• Provided a pathway to test consistency between low-energy nuclear couplings from different data sources.
• Highlighted the power of astrophysical observations in constraining fundamental nuclear physics.