arXiv subjects

Hajime Sotani

Publications and source records attributed to Hajime Sotani.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The $g$-mode frequencies in cold neutron stars and nuclear saturation parameters

Oscillation frequencies excited in neutron stars are crucial for extracting their interior properties. In addition to the fundamental and pressure modes, the gravity ($g$-) modes can be excited even in zero-temperature stellar models due to the composition gradient. In this study, we systematically study the $g$-mode frequencies, focusing on the nucleonic equation of state. Then, we can derive an empirical relation for the 1st $g$-mode frequencies as a function of the stellar compactness and the combination of the nuclear saturation parameters, $η_0 \equiv L/K_0$, where $K_0$ and $L$ denote the incompressibility of symmetric nuclear matter and the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy, respectively. If an observed 1st $g$-mode frequency significantly deviates from our empirical relation, it may indicate the emergence of additional degrees of freedom or new compositions inside the star.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

Universality of dual mass-scaled fundamental modes in two-fluid neutron stars with mirror dark matter

Universal relations provide a particularly useful way to extract physical information from neutron star observables in the presence of various uncertainties by reducing the dependence on uncertain model parameters and microphysical inputs. In this study, we examine the oscillation frequencies of mirror dark matter admixed neutron stars using a two-fluid description, where the outer and inner fluids give rise to two distinct fundamental frequencies. We confirm that the universal relation between the mass-scaled fundamental frequency of the outer-fluid-led mode and the stellar compactness, established previously for self-interacting dark matter admixed neutron stars, also holds in the mirror dark matter scenario. However, this universal relation becomes less robust when metric perturbations are included, compared with the corresponding results in the Cowling approximation. We further find that the inner-fluid-led fundamental frequency can also be expressed as a compactness-dependent relation that is largely independent of the normal matter equation of state, provided that the dark matter mass fraction is fixed. These results suggest that the simultaneous detection of the two fundamental frequencies could provide a way to constrain the dark matter mass fraction, even when the equation of state of normal matter remains uncertain. Finally, we find that the Cowling approximation estimates the fundamental frequency associated with the outer fluid with an accuracy comparable to that found for standard neutron stars without dark matter, while it performs even better for the frequency associated with the inner fluid.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Non-radial pulsations of gravitationally coupled two-fluid neutron stars in general relativity

Non-radial oscillations of neutron stars provide a powerful probe of stellar structure and relativistic gravity, but a fully general relativistic treatment for gravitationally coupled two-fluid stars with independently conserved currents has so far been lacking. In this work, we develop a fully relativistic framework for polar perturbations of gravitationally coupled two-fluid neutron stars, assuming that the two fluids interact only through the common spacetime and are not coupled by entrainment or direct microphysical interactions. We derive the coupled linear perturbation equations governing the metric and both fluid components, and complete the formulation by establishing the regularity, surface, and exterior matching conditions required for a well-posed oscillation eigenvalue problem. We then implement the resulting system numerically and compute representative polar mode spectra for gravitationally coupled two-fluid stellar models. This implementation provides a practical way to address mode identification in gravitationally coupled two-fluid stars, allowing the fundamental ($\mathsf{f}$) and pressure ($\mathsf{p}$) mode branches of the spectrum to be classified according to their dominant inner- or outer-fluid character through the associated eigenfunctions and their node structure. The formalism developed here provides a foundation for extending relativistic asteroseismology to multi-fluid compact stars and for exploring their potential gravitational-wave signatures in a fully general relativistic setting.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Understanding supernova gravitational waves with protoneutron star asteroseismology

Supernovae are one of the most promising gravitational wave sources. But, since the system of the supernovae is nearly spherically symmetric, the expected gravitational waves from them are relatively weak, compared to the case of the compact binary mergers. Thus, at least using the current gravitational wave detectors, only the gravitational waves from a supernova that occurred in our galaxy could be detected. To reliably extract information from gravitational waves originating from such a low event rate, thorough preparation is essential. However, because supernova gravitational waves strongly depend on model parameters, such as progenitor mass and the equation of state for dense matter, it may be difficult to extract physical properties even if the gravitational waves are detected. The universal relations between gravitational-wave signals and physical properties, independent of model parameters, are important for solving this difficulty. To discuss such a universal relation, in this article, we systematically examine the protoneutron-star oscillation frequencies with the linear analysis, the so-called asteroseismology, and compare them with the gravitational wave signals in the simulations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Estimation of neutron star mass and radius of FRB 20240114A by identification of crustal oscillations

By identifying quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) reported in FRB 20240114A (from the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope) with neutron star crustal torsional oscillations, together with experimental constraints on the incompressibility $K_0$ of symmetric nuclear matter at saturation density, we constrain the mass and radius of an extragalactic neutron star at redshift $z\approx0.13$. Identifying the low-order QPO frequencies as fundamental oscillations, and frequencies of $567.7\,\mathrm{Hz}$ or $655.5\,\mathrm{Hz}$ (rest frame) as first overtone candidates, implies neutron star mass ranges of $1.00$--$1.55\,M_\odot$ or $1.17$--$1.76\,M_\odot$, respectively. The radius is also constrained, with a self-consistent value around $13$~km, consistent with the calculation of the NS structure within the low-mass/low-central density regime. Simultaneously, we also constrain another nuclear saturation parameter, namely the density dependence of the nuclear symmetry energy at saturation density (i.e., the slope parameter), $L$, and determine it to be $L=59.5-96.8$ MeV with $\sim 10\%$ systematic uncertainty, which is broadly consistent with previous constraints on $L$ obtained from experiments and astronomical observations. Thus, a mapping of FRB QPOs to crustal torsional modes seems reasonable. This interpretation will be tested with the discovery of additional QPOs in upcoming FRB surveys.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Slowly Rotating Two-Fluid Neutron Stars: Coupled Frame-Dragging, Inertia Splitting, and Universal Relations

We develop a fully relativistic framework to study the rotational response of gravitationally coupled two-fluid neutron stars within the slow-rotation approximation. Treating the two components as independently conserved perfect fluids interacting only through spacetime curvature, we derive the coupled equilibrium and frame-dragging equations and exploit their linear structure to construct a basis decomposition of the rotational response. This formulation leads to a natural definition of the effective total moment of inertia, which generalizes the single-fluid concept and depends solely on the equilibrium background. It further reveals that the coupled system admits two intrinsic collective rotational eigenmodes, characterized by distinct eigen-moments of inertia, even in the absence of relative rotation between the fluids. Applying this framework to neutron stars containing dark matter, we explore how the presence of an additional gravitationally bound component modifies the global rotational response and its relation to tidal deformability. Our results demonstrate that the persistence or breakdown of rotational-tidal universality in two-fluid neutron stars is governed by dark-sector microphysics rather than by the mere presence of an additional component, and establish a unified framework for interpreting rotational observables, intrinsic mode structure, and universal relations in multi-component relativistic stars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Universal relations between the quasinormal modes of neutron stars and magnetic tidal deformability

Tidal deformabilities are one of the observable quantities characterizing neutron stars, which are strongly associated with the stellar compactness, the ratio of the stellar mass to the radius. In addition to the tidal deformability, the quasinormal modes excited in a neutron star are also an important property for extracting information about the neutron star interior, adopting gravitational wave asteroseismology. In this study, we especially focus on the magnetic tidal deformability, which acts on the gravitational waveform from a neutron star binary merger as a higher-order effect than the electric tidal deformability, and derive the universal relations expressing the quasinormal modes, such as the fundamental ($f$-), 1st pressure ($p_1$-), and 1st spacetime ($w_1$-) modes, as a function of the magnetic tidal deformability. The universal relations derived in this study exhibit accuracy more or less comparable to those of the electric tidal deformability.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Universal relation involving fundamental modes in two-fluid dark matter admixed neutron stars

We systematically investigate the fundamental oscillation frequencies of dark matter admixed neutron stars, focusing on models with self-interacting fermionic dark matter that couples to normal matter solely through gravity. The analysis is carried out within a two-fluid formalism under the relativistic Cowling approximation, where the perturbation equations follow from the linearized energy-momentum conservation laws of both components. We find that the mass-scaled fundamental frequencies of the nuclear (dark) fluid in dark core (halo) configurations exhibit a remarkably tight correlation with the total stellar compactness. This universality persists across the dark matter parameter space explored in this study and is largely insensitive to the choice of nuclear equation of state. In contrast, we also find the breakdown of such universality with the tidal deformability, i.e, the same frequencies show substantial deviations from universality when expressed in terms of the tidal deformability. These contrasting behaviors highlight possible observational imprints of dark matter in neutron star interiors.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Effects of multidimensional treatment of gravity in simulations on supernova gravitational waves

Supernova explosions are expected as one of the promising candidates for gravitational wave sources. In this study, we examine the supernova gravitational waves, focusing on the multidimensional treatment of gravity in the simulation. For this purpose, we newly performed two-dimensional relativistic simulations with a nonmonopole (two-dimensional) potential and compared the resultant gravitational wave signals in the simulations with the frequencies of the proto-neutron stars with and without the Cowling approximation. Then, we find that the proto-neutron star frequencies with the Cowling approximation overestimate the gravitational wave frequencies. On the other hand, the frequencies of the proto-neutron star oscillations with metric perturbations agree well with the gravitational wave signals in the simulations. Employing the new data, we derive a new fitting formula for the supernova gravitational wave frequencies with the two-dimensional gravitational potential, independently of the progenitor mass. Combining this new formula with the previous one derived from the Cowling approximation, we also derive the formula to predict the gravitational wave frequencies with a two-dimensional potential, using those with a monopole potential.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2025

Neutron-quark stars: Discerning viable alternatives for the higher-density part of the equation of state of compact stars

We investigate binary neutron star (BNS) mergers using general-relativistic numerical simulations with hadronic and hybrid equations of state (EOSs), incorporating the latest observations and theoretical constraints. We address two viable scenarios for the transition to quark matter: a quark-hadron crossover (QHC) or a strong first-order phase transition (1PT). To distinguish between different models, we define neutron-quark stars (NQS) as configurations where quark effects emerge at masses below the lowest observed neutron-star mass. While traditional "hybrid stars" may be distinguished by purely hadronic configurations through mass-radius measurements, the mass-radius relations of NQSs resemble those of purely hadronic models, with no sharp boundary between hadrons and quarks. The name NQS effectively captures the absence of a phase boundary between hadrons and quarks in QHC scenarios. Our results indicate that QHC models can be distinguished from hadronic ones if both the inspiral and postmerger gravitational waves (GWs) are observed. In particular, the dominant postmerger frequency ($f_2$) tends to be lower than in hadronic models with the same tidal deformability ($Λ$). We also present the first general-relativistic simulations of BNS mergers where the stars already contain quark matter before merging. These involve a strong first-order phase transition (1PT) at 1.8 times nuclear saturation density, followed by a stiff quark EOS. Finally, we identify a robust linear correlation between the total GW energy emitted after the merger and the $f_2$ frequency. Remarkably, this relation holds regardless of the quark presence.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Stability analysis of two-fluid neutron stars featuring twin star and ultradense configurations

We perform a detailed analysis of radial oscillations to discuss dynamical stability in two-fluid neutron stars composed of ordinary nuclear matter and a gravitationally coupled dark matter component. Using a fully relativistic two-fluid formalism, we solve the eigenvalue problem for a coupled system of equations with small-amplitude radial perturbations and derive the critical line corresponding to stability boundaries. We also compare these stability boundary lines obtained from the radial perturbations with those obtained from a generalized turning-point criterion based on extremization of mass and particle numbers, and find that the two methods agree to within better than $1\%$ across the parameter space explored. We consider both mirror dark matter and self-interacting fermionic dark matter models, and examine how microphysical properties$-$such as nuclear equations of state, dark matter mass, and vector coupling strength$-$reshape the topology of the stability boundary and gravitational mass contours. Our results reveal the emergence of ultra-dense and compact stars, with nuclear central densities exceeding single-fluid instability thresholds by factors of two or more, and the appearance of twin-star configurations with identical masses but distinct radii and internal fluid compositions. These findings have direct implications for the interpretation of neutron star observables and motivate future studies involving phase transitions, density discontinuities, or additional interactions in multi-component stellar systems. In particular, the emergence of exotic stable configurations beyond conventional stability limits underscores the need to reassess standard criteria in light of multi-fluid dynamics, with significant consequences for multimessenger probes of dense matter$-$including gravitational wave signals, mass-radius constraints, and post-merger remnants.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Asteroseismology and Universal Relations in Neutron Stars with Gravitationally Bound Dark Matter

We investigate the structural, dynamical, and oscillatory properties of neutron stars admixed with dark matter, modeled via a single-fluid formalism where dark matter interacts with nuclear matter through an effective Higgs-portal coupling. Employing three relativistic mean-field nuclear matter equations of state-IOPB-I, BigApple, and NL3- we incorporate a physically motivated dark matter number density profile that scales with baryon density and is controlled by two parameters: a scaling factor $αM_χ$ ($M_χ$ being the mass of dark matter particle) and a steepness index $β$. We construct equilibrium configurations and analyze their stability via radial oscillations, finding that dark matter-induced gravitational compression lowers the maximum mass and alters the radial mode spectrum in a nontrivial, $β$-dependent fashion. We also compute the frequencies of non-radial fluid oscillations under the relativistic Cowling approximation and analyze the persistence of universal relations in the presence of dark matter. While deviations appear under extreme configurations, the overall structure of these relations remains robust. Our findings offer a consistent framework to probe dark matter effects on neutron star dynamics across a range of realistic models.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Emergence of new oscillation modes in dark matter admixed neutron stars

Dark matter admixed neutron stars provide a promising avenue for observationally probing the dark matter characteristic. In this study, we examine non-radial oscillations in neutron stars containing self-interacting dark matter, which interacts with normal matter exclusively via gravity. To achieve this, we derive a new set of perturbation equations for a multi-fluid system under the Cowling approximation. Using these equations, we analyze the oscillation spectra and identify additional modes associated with dark matter, alongside those of normal matter. We find that the frequency behavior becomes more intricate with increasing self-coupling strength of dark matter, particularly as the stellar structure transitions between dark core and dark halo configurations, depending on the total stellar mass. Nevertheless, we find that in the dark core structure, the fundamental ($f$) mode frequencies associated with dark matter exceed those of normal matter, at least when the central energy densities of both fluids are equal. Furthermore, we find that the $f$-mode frequencies associated with normal matter in dark core configurations adhere to a universal relation between the mass-scaled frequency and stellar compactness.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Multi-Messenger and Cosmological Constraints on Dark Matter through Two-Fluid Neutron Star Modeling

In this study, we investigate the impact of dark matter (DM) on neutron stars (NSs) using a two-fluid formalism that treats nuclear matter (NM) and DM as gravitationally coupled components. Employing NM equations of state spanning a wide range of stiffness and a self-interacting asymmetric fermionic DM framework, we explore the emergence of DM core- and halo-dominated structures and their observational implications. Constraints from gravitational waves (GW170817), NICER X-ray measurements (PSR J0030+0451), and pulsar mass limits (PSR J0740+6620) delineate a consistent parameter space for DM properties derived from these multi-messenger observations. DM halo-dominated configurations, while consistent with PSR J0740+6620's mass limits and NICER's radius measurements for PSR J0030+0451, are ruled out by the tidal deformability bounds inferred from the GW170817 event. Consequently, the combined limits inferred from the observational data of GW170817, PSR J0030+0451, and PSR J0740+6620 support the plausibility of DM core-dominated configurations. Constraints on the DM self-interaction strength from galaxy cluster dynamics further refine the DM parameter space permitted by NS observations. This work bridges multi-messenger astrophysics and cosmology, providing insights into DM interactions and their implications for NS structure, evolution, and observational signatures.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Impact of dark matter distribution on neutron star properties

We investigate the structural and observable impacts of dark matter (DM) on neutron stars using a combined equation of state that integrates the relativistic mean field (RMF) model for baryonic matter with a variable density profile for DM, incorporating DM-baryon interactions mediated by the Higgs field. Employing three RMF parameter sets (NL3, BigApple, and IOPB-I) for baryonic matter, we analyze mass-radius relations, maximum mass, and tidal deformability, focusing on DM density scaling ($α$) and steepness ($β$) parameters. Our findings reveal that increased DM concentration significantly enhances NS compactness, shifting mass-radius profiles and reducing tidal deformability. The DM influence strongly depends on the steepness of the DM density profile, where high $β$ values lead to strongly confined DM within the NS core, resulting in more compact and less deformable configurations. Observational constraints from PSR J0740+6620 and GW170817 impose consistent structural limits on DM fractions across different equations of state models, narrowing the allowable parameter space for DM and linking specific combinations of $αM_χ$ ($M_χ$ being the mass of dark matter particle) and $β$ values to viable NS structures. This study highlights the interplay among DM concentration, nuclear stiffness, and observational data in shaping NS structure, offering insights into future constraints on DM in high-density astrophysical environments.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Gravitational wave asteroseismology of accreting neutron stars in a steady state

An accreting neutron star is potentially the gravitational wave source. In this study, we examine the gravitational wave frequencies from such an object in the steady state, adopting the Cowling approximation. We can derive the empirical relations independently of the mass accretion rate for the frequencies of the fundamental and 1st pressure modes multiplied by the stellar mass as a function of the stellar compactness, together with those for the 1st and 2nd gravity mode frequencies. So, once one simultaneously observes the fundamental (or 1st pressure) and gravity mode frequencies, one could constrain the neutron star mass and radius. In addition, we find that the luminosity can be well characterized by the mass accretion rate independently of the stellar mass and equation of state, if the direct Urca does not work inside the star. Since the luminosity from the neutron star with the direct Urca can deviate from this characterization, one could identify whether the direct Urca process works or not inside the star by observing the luminosity. Both information obtained from the gravitational waves and luminosity help us to understand the equation of state for neutron star matter.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Constraints on the parameter space in dark matter admixed neutron stars

We investigate the impact of dark matter on neutron star properties using the relativistic mean-field theory. By incorporating the dark matter model, we explore how dark matter parameters, specifically dark matter mass and Fermi momentum, influence nuclear saturation properties, the equation of state, and the mass-radius relationship of neutron stars. We also examine the universal relation between dimensionless tidal deformability and compactness in the presence of dark matter. Our results show that the inclusion of dark matter significantly alters nuclear saturation properties, leading to higher incompressibility and symmetry energy values. Notably, higher dark matter Fermi momenta and masses result in more compact neutron star configurations with reduced radii and lower maximum masses, highlighting a complex interplay between dark matter and nuclear matter. Deviations from the universal relation are observed with dark matter inclusion, particularly for neutron stars with lower compactness. By leveraging observational data from PSR J0740+6620, GW170817, and Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) measurements of PSR J0030+0451, we derive stringent constraints on dark matter parameter space within neutron stars, emphasizing the necessity of integrating multimodal observations to delineate the properties of dark matter along with neutron stars. Our findings underscore the importance of considering dark matter effects in neutron star modeling and suggest potential refinements for current theoretical frameworks to accurately predict neutron star properties under various astrophysical conditions.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Couplings of torsional and shear oscillations in a neutron star crust

Mature neutron stars are thought to be sufficiently cold that nuclei in the outer layers freeze, solidifying a crust. Crustal elasticity allows the star to support a set of seismic modes, such as torsional oscillations. These axial-parity modes can couple to the polar sector in a number of ways, for example via rotation or a magnetic field. Even in a static, spherically-symmetric star however these modes can couple at non-linear order. In this study, such couplings in the crust are examined for the first time: we derive the axisymmetric perturbation equations for second-order axial eigenfunctions, which are sourced by axial-polar couplings at first-order, and solve the resulting equations in the time domain. Through our studies, we find that the second-order spectrum contains additional oscillation modes, not predicted by the linear analysis with either axial or polar perturbations, which can be excited to relatively large amplitudes.

astro-ph.HE↗