arXiv subjects

A. Kanakis-Pegios

Publications and source records attributed to A. Kanakis-Pegios.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Constraints on the isovector properties of finite nuclei from neutron stars observations

The nuclear symmetry energy plays important role on the structure of finite nuclei as well as on the bulk properties of neutron stars. However, its values at high densities are completely uncertain and the corresponding experimental data have a large error. One possibility to determine or at least estimate the values at high densities is with the help of neutron star observations. Recently, observations of gravitational waves from merging processes of binary neutron star systems provide useful information on both their radius and tidal deformability, quantities directly related to the symmetry energy. In this work, an attempt is made in this direction, namely to see how recent observations can help to constrain the structure of finite nuclei. In particular, in the present study we parameterize the equation of state which describes the asymmetric and symmetric nuclear mater with the help of the parameter $η=(K_0 L^2)^{1/3}$, where $K_0$ is the incompressibility and $L$ the slope parameter. The parameter $η$ is a regulator of the stiffness of the equation of state. We expect that the values of $η$ affect both the properties of finite nuclei as well as of the neutron star properties (where the role of the isovector interaction plays important role). It is natural to expect that constraints, via the parameter $η$ on finite nuclei will imply constraints on the neutron star properties and vice versa. In view of the above statements we propose a simple but self-consistent method to examine simultaneously the effects of the parameter $η$ on the properties of finite nuclei and neutron stars. We found constraints on the latter systems via combination by the recent experiments (PREX-2) and observational data found by the detectors Ligo and Virgo.

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arXiv2023

Constraints for the X17 boson from compacts objects observations

We investigate the hypothetical X17 boson on neutron stars and Quark Stars (QSs) using various hadronic Equation of States (EoSs) with phenomenological or microscopic origin. Our aim is to set realistic constraints on its coupling constant and the mass scaling, with respect to causality and various possible upper mass limits and the dimensionless tidal deformability $Λ_{1.4}$. In particular, we pay special attention on two main phenomenological parameters of the X17, the one is related to the coupling constant $\mathrm{g}$ that it has with hadrons or quarks and the other with the in-medium effects through the regulator $\mathrm{C}$. Both are very crucial concerning the contribution on the total energy density and pressure. In the case of considering the X17 as a carrier of nuclear force in Relativistic Mean Field (RMF) theory, an admixture into vector boson segment was constrained by 20\% and 30\%. In our investigation, we came to the general conclusion that the effect of the hypothetical X17 both on neutron and QSs constrained mainly by the causality limit, which is a specific property of each EoS. Moreover, it depends on the interplay between the main two parameters that is the interaction coupling $\mathrm{g}$ and the in-medium effects regulator $\mathrm{C}$. These effects are more pronounced in the case of QSs concerning all the bulk properties.

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arXiv2023

Twin stars as probes of the nuclear equation of state: effects of rotation through the PSR J0952-0607 pulsar and constraints via the tidal deformability from the GW170817 event

In agreement with the constantly increasing gravitational wave events, new aspects of the internal structure of compact stars can be considered. A scenario in which a first order transition takes place inside these stars is of particular interest as it can lead, under conditions, to a third gravitationally stable branch (besides white dwarfs and neutron stars), the twin stars. The new branch yields stars with the same mass as normal compact stars but quite different radii. In the present work, we focus on hybrid stars undergone a hadron to quark phase transition near their core and how this new stable configuration arises. Emphasis is to be given on the aspects of the phase transition and its parametrization in two different ways, namely with Maxwell and Gibbs construction. We systematically study the gravitational mass, the radius, and the tidal deformability, and we compare them with the predictions of the recent observation by LIGO/VIRGO collaboration, the GW170817 event, along with the mass and radius limits, suggesting possible robust constraints. Moreover, we extent the study in order to include rotation effects on the twin stars configurations. The recent discovery of the fast rotating supermassive pulsar PSR J0952-0607 triggered the effort to constrain the equation of state and moreover to examine possible predictions related to the phase transition in dense nuclear matter. We pay special attention to relate the PSR J0952-0607 pulsar properties with the twin stars predictions and mainly to explore the possibility that the existence of such a massive object would rule out the existence of twin stars. Finally, we discuss the constraints on the radius and mass of the recently observed compact object within the supernova remnant HESS J1731-347. The estimations implies that this object is either the lightest neutron star known, or a star with a more exotic equation of state.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Thermodynamics of Hot Neutron Stars and Universal Relations

Over the last few years, the detection of gravitational waves from binary neutron star systems has rekindled our hopes for a deeper understanding of the unknown nature of ultradense matter. In particular, gravitational wave constraints on the tidal deformability of a neutron star can be translated into constraints on several neutron star properties using a set of universal relations. Apart from binary neutron star mergers, supernova explosions are also important candidates for the detection of multimessenger signals. Such observations may allow us to impose significant constraints on the binding energy of neutron stars. The purpose of the present study is twofold. Firstly, we investigate the agreement of finite temperature equations of state with established universal relations. Secondly, we examine the possible existence of a universal relation between the binding energy and the dimensionless tidal deformability, which are the bulk properties connected to the most promising sources for multimessenger signals. We find that hot equations of state are not always compatible with accepted universal relations. Therefore, the use of such expressions for probing general relativity or imposing constraints on the structure of neutron stars would be inconclusive (when thermal effects are present). Additionally, we show that the binding energy and the dimensionless tidal deformability exhibit a universal trend at least for moderate neutron star masses. The latter allows us to set bounds on the binding energy of a 1.4 $M_\odot$ neutron star using data from the GW170817 event. Finally, we provide a relation between the compactness, the binding energy and the dimensionless tidal deformability of a neutron star that is accurate for cold and hot isentropic equations of state.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Thermal effects on tidal deformability in the last orbits of an inspiraling binary neutron star system

The study of binary neutron stars mergers by the detection of the emitted gravitational waves is one of the most promised tools to study the properties of dense nuclear matter at high densities. It is worth claiming that, at the moment, strong evidence that the temperature of the stars is zero during the last orbits before coalescing, does not exist. Nevertheless, theoretical studies suggest that the temperature concerning the inspiral phase, could reach even a few MeV. According to the main theory, tides transfer mechanical energy and angular momentum to the star at the expense of the orbit, where friction within the star converts the mechanical energy into heat. During the inspiral, these effects are potentially detectable. Different treatments have been used to estimate the transfer of the mechanical energy and the size of the tidal friction, leading to different conclusions about the importance of pre-merger tidal effects. The present work is dedicated to the study of the effect of temperature on the tidal deformability of neutron stars during the inspiral of a neutron star system just before the merger. We applied a class of hot equations of state, both isothermal and adiabatic, originated from various nuclear models. We found that even for low values of temperature ($T<1$ MeV), the effects on the basic ingredients of tidal deformability are not negligible. On the other hand, in the case of the adiabatic star, the thermal effects on tidal deformability remain imperceptible, up to the value $S=0.2 \ {\rm k}_{B}$. According to the main finding, the effect of the temperature on the tidal deformability is indistinguishable. The consequences of the above result are discussed and analyzed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Neutron Stars and Gravitational Waves: the Key Role of Nuclear Equation of State

Neutron stars are the densest known objects in the universe and an ideal laboratory for the strange physics of super-condensed matter. Theoretical studies in connection with recent observational data of isolated neutron stars, as well as binary neutron stars systems, offer an excellent opportunity to provide robust solutions on the dense nuclear problem. In the present work, we review recent studies concerning the applications of various theoretical nuclear models on a few recent observations of binary neutron stars or neutron-star--black-hole systems. In particular, using a simple and well-established model, we parametrize the stiffness of the equation of state with the help of the speed of sound. Moreover, in comparison to the recent observations of two events by LIGO/VIRGO collaboration, GW170817 and GW190425, we suggest possible robust constraints. We also concentrate our theoretical study on the resent observation of a compact object with mass~$\sim 2.59_{-0.09}^{+0.08}~M_{\odot}$ (GW190814 event), as a component of a system where the main companion was a black hole with mass $\sim 23~M_{\odot}$. There is scientific debate concerning the identification of the low mass component, as it falls into the neutron-star--black-hole mass gap. This is an important issue since understanding the nature of GW190814 event will offer rich information concerning the upper limit of the speed of sound in dense matter and the possible phase transition into other degrees of freedom. We systematically study the tidal deformability of a possible high-mass candidate existing as an individual star or as a component in a binary neutron star system. Finally, we provide some applications of equations of state of hot, dense nuclear matter in hot neutron stars, protoneutron stars, and binary neutron star merger remnants.

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arXiv2021

Thermal effects on tidal deformability of a coalescing binary neutron star system

The study of neutron star mergers by the detection of the emitted gravitational waves is one of the most promised tools to study the properties of dense nuclear matter at high densities. It is worth claiming that, at the moment, strong evidence that the temperature of the stars is zero during the last orbits before coalescing does not exist. Contrariwise, there are some theoretical predictions suggesting that the star's temperature might even be a few MeV. According to the main theory, the tides transfer mechanical energy and angular momentum to the star at the expense of the orbit, where friction within the star converts the mechanical energy into heat. During the inspiral these effects are potentially detectable. Different treatments have been used to estimate the transfer of the mechanical energy and the size of the tidal friction, leading to different conclusions about the importance of pre-merger tidal effects. The present work is dedicated to the study of the effect of temperature on the tidal deformability of neutron stars during the inspiral of a neutron star system just before the merger. We applied a class of hot equations of state originated from various nuclear models and found that even for low values of temperature ($T<1$ MeV) the effects on the basic ingredients of tidal deformability are not negligible. However, according to the main finding, the effect of the temperature on the tidal deformability is indistinguishable. The consequences of this unexpected result are discussed and analyzed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Crust-core interface and bulk neutron star properties

The nuclear symmetry energy plays an important role in the description of the properties of finite nuclei as well as neutron stars. Especially, for low values of baryon density, the accurate description of the crust-core interface strongly depends on the symmetry energy. Usually, the well known parabolic approximation is employed for the definition of the symmetry energy without avoiding some drawbacks. In the present paper, a class of nuclear models, suitable for the description of the inner and outer core of neutron stars, is applied in studying the effect of higher orders of the expansion of the energy on the location of the crust-core transition. The thermodynamical and dynamical methods are used for the determination of the transition density $n_{\rm t}$ and pressure $P_{\rm t}$. The corresponding energy density functional is applied for the study of some relevant properties of both nonrotating and slowly rotating neutron stars. We found that the larger the value of the slope parameter $L$, the slower the convergence of the expansion. In addition, a universal relation is presented between $n_{\rm t}$ and $L$, by employing the full expression and dynamical approach. The crustal moment of inertia is very sensitive to the location of the transition while the effects are moderated concerning the critical angular velocity of the $r$-mode instability and minimum mass configuration. The effect on the tidal deformability is less but not negligible. In any case, the use of the parabolic approximation leads to the overestimation of $n_{\rm t}$ and $P_{\rm t}$ and consequently, on inaccurate predictions. Moreover, in some cases, even the matching process at the interface may affect considerably the predictions, introducing errors of the same order with the one due to the employed method.

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arXiv2021

Probing the nuclear equation of state from the existence of a $\sim 2.6~M_{\odot}$ neutron star: the GW190814 puzzle

On August 14, 2019, the LIGO/Virgo collaboration observed a compact object with mass $\sim 2.59_{-0.09}^{+0.08}~M_{\odot}$, as a component of a system where the main companion was a black hole with mass $\sim 23~M_{\odot}$. A scientific debate initiated concerning the identification of the low mass component, as it falls into the neutron star - black hole mass gap. The understanding of the nature of GW190814 event will offer rich information concerning open issues, the speed of sound and the possible phase transition into other degrees of freedom. In the present work, we made an effort to probe the nuclear equation of state along with the GW190814 event. Firstly, we examine possible constraints on the nuclear equation of state inferred from the consideration that the low mass companion is a slow or rapidly rotating neutron star. In this case, the role of the upper bounds on the speed of sound is revealed, in connection with the dense nuclear matter properties. Secondly, we systematically study the tidal deformability of a possible high mass candidate existing as an individual star or as a component one in a binary neutron star system. As the tidal deformability and radius are quantities very sensitive on the neutron star equation of state, they are excellent counters on dense matter properties. We conjecture that similar isolated neutron stars or systems may exist in the Universe and their possible future observation will shed light on the maximum neutron star mass problem.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2020

Speed of sound constraints from tidal deformability of neutron stars

The upper bound of the speed of sound in dense nuclear matter is one of the most interesting but still unsolved problems in Nuclear Physics. Theoretical studies in connection with recent observational data of isolated neutron stars as well as binary neutron stars systems offer an excellent opportunity to shed light on this problem. In the present work, we suggest a method to directly relate the measured tidal deformability (polarizability) of binary neutron stars system (before merger) to the maximum neutron star mass scenario and possible upper bound on the speed of sound. This method is based on the simple but efficient idea that while the upper limit of the effective tidal deformability favors soft equations of state, the recent high measured values of neutron star mass favor stiff ones. In the present work, firstly, using a simple well established model we parametrize the stiffness of the equation of state with the help of the speed of sound. Secondly, in comparison with the recent observations by LIGO/VIRGO collaboration of two events, GW170817 and GW190425, we suggest possible robust constraints. Moreover, we evaluate and postulate, in the framework of the present method, what kind of future measurements could help us to improve the stringent of the constraints on the neutron star equation of state.

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