arXiv subjects

Manuel Malheiro

Publications and source records attributed to Manuel Malheiro.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Double White Dwarf Mergers as Progenitors of Long-Period Transients

There is an ongoing discussion in the literature on the nature of long-period transients (LPTs), radio-emitting sources with periods ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of seconds. Although some of these objects have been identified as white dwarf (WD) + M-dwarf binaries, this description currently does not fit the entire class. An example is GLEAM-X J162759.5-523504.3 (hereafter GLEAM-X J1627-5235), with a period of 1091 s, for which the lack of an optical counterpart disfavors the presence of such a binary system. In this case, GLEAM-X J1627-5235 could be interpreted as an isolated, massive, fast-rotating, and highly magnetized (~ 1e+9 G) WD pulsar. Its properties are consistent with a carbon-oxygen WD of mass ~1.3 Msun and radius ~2500 km, possibly supported by small-scale multipolar magnetosphere structures that keep it above the death line for WD-pulsars. We assess a double WD merger origin, modeling the post-merger rotational evolution under accretion, propeller, and magnetic braking torques. We find rotational age of ~572 Myr for GLEAM-X J1627-5235, i.e., the post-merger time required to reach its observed period. This result is consistent with current optical upper limits for GLEAM-X J1627-5235 and support the WD pulsar interpretation for this source. We also discuss how the same model can apply to other LPTs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Sudden discharge of young charged magnetars as a new model for FRBs

We propose a new model for Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) based on a sudden discharge of a charged young magnetar, caused by the short falling timescale of oppositely charged particles onto the magnetar. In this scenario, curvature radiation is emitted by particles accelerated at relativistic by the strong electric fields produced by the disconnection and the subsequent reconnection of the magnetic field lines, a process triggered by the sudden discharge. We modeled the magnetars as charged neutron stars in the static approximation using the exterior metric by the Reissner-Nordström. We also adopted an electrical charge distribution proportional to the mass-energy density, although our results are not strongly sensitive to the specific star charge distribution, only to the total charge. Our calculations show that the discharge and emission timescales are several milliseconds, compatible with the FRB phenomena for magnetars with a total charge of $\sim 10^{20}~\mathrm{C}$ and mass and radius in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 $\mathrm{M_{\odot}}$ and 10 to 45 km, respectively. Furthermore, the calculated total emitted power of a coherent pulse is $P_{tot}\sim 10^{42-43} erg/s$, and the frequency range and time scale are also consistent with FRBs astronomical observations. Finally, if the magnetar does not collapse after the discharge, the existence of FRB repeater sources can not rule out the existence of a blast repetition after the time needed to magnetosphere recharges and produce a new discharge.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2021

Mass limits of the extremely fast-spinning white dwarf CTCV J2056-3014

CTCV J2056--3014 is a nearby cataclysmic variable with an orbital period of approximately $1.76$ hours at a distance of about $853$ light-years from the Earth. Its recently reported X-ray properties suggest that J2056-3014 is an unusual accretion-powered intermediate polar that harbors a fast-spinning white dwarf (WD) with a spin period of $29.6$ s. The low X-ray luminosity and the relatively modest accretion rate per unit area suggest that the shock is not occurring near the WD surface. It has been argued that, under these conditions, the maximum temperature of the shock cannot be directly used to determine the mass of the WD (which, under the abovementioned assumptions, would be around $0.46$ $M_\odot$). Here, we explore the stability of this rapidly rotating WD using a modern equation of state (EoS) that accounts for electron--ion, electron--electron, and ion--ion interactions. For this EoS, we determine the mass density thresholds for the onset of pycnonuclear fusion reactions and study the impact of microscopic stability and rapid rotation on the structure and stability of WDs, considering them with helium, carbon, oxygen, and neon. From this analysis, we obtain a minimum mass for CTCV J2056--3014 of $0.56~M_\odot$ and a maximum mass of around $1.38~M_\odot$. If the mass of CTCV J2056--3014 is close to the lower mass limit, its equatorial radius would be on the order of $10^4$~km due to rapid rotation. Such a radius is significantly larger than that of a nonrotating WD of average mass ($0.6\, M_\odot$), which is on the order of $7\times 10^3$~km. The effects on the minimum mass of J2056-3014 due to changes in the temperature and composition of the stellar matter were found to be negligibly small.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2021

The structure and stability of massive hot white dwarfs

We investigate the structure and stability against radial oscillations, pycnonuclear reactions, and inverse $β$-decay of hot white dwarfs. We regard that the fluid matter is made up for nucleons and electrons confined in a Wigner-Seitz cell surrounded by free photons. It is considered that the temperature depends on the mass density considering the presence of an isothermal core. We find that the temperature produces remarkable effects on the equilibrium and radial stability of white dwarfs. The stable equilibrium configuration results are compared with white dwarfs estimated from the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Survey and Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We derive masses, radii, and central temperatures for the most massive white dwarfs according to surface gravity and effective temperature reported by the survey. We note that these massive stars are in the mass region where the general relativity effects are important. These stars are near the threshold of instabilities due to radial oscillations, pycnonuclear reaction, and inverse $β$-decay. Regarding the radial stability of these stars as a function of the temperature, we obtain that the radial stability decreases with the increment of central temperature. We also obtain that the maximum mass point and the zero eigenfrequencies of the fundamental mode are determined at the same central energy density. Regarding low-temperature stars, the pycnonuclear reactions occur in almost similar central energy densities, and the central energy density threshold for inverse $β$-decay is not modified. For $T_c\geq1.0\times10^{8}\,[\rm K]$, the onset of the radial instability is attained before the pycnonuclear reaction and the inverse $β$-decay.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2020

Fluid pulsation modes from strange stars in a higher-dimensional space-time

In this work, we make the first step to derive non-radial pulsation equations in extra dimensions and investigate how the $f$- and $p_1$-mode frequencies of strange quark stars, within the Cowling approximation, change with the number of dimensions. In this regard, the study is performed by solving numerically the non-radial pulsation equations, adjusted for a $d$-dimensional space-time $(d\geq4)$. We connect the interior to a Schwarzschild-Tangherlini exterior metric and analyze the $f$- and $p_1$- mode frequencies. We found that the frequencies could become higher than those found in four-dimensional space-time. The $f$-mode frequency is essentially constant and only for large gravitational radius values grows monotonically and fast with the gravitational radius. In a gravitational radius range, where $f$-mode frequencies are constant, they increase for space-time dimensions $4\leq d\leq6$ and decrease for $d\geq7$. Regarding $p_1$-mode frequencies they are always larger for higher dimensions and decay monotonically with the increase of the gravitational radius. In extra dimensions, as it happens for four-dimensional space-time, we found $p_1$-mode frequencies are always larger than the $f$-modes ones. In the Newtonian gravity, for a homogeneous star in $d$ dimensions, we observe that the $f$-mode eigenfrequencies are constant and given by the relation $ω^2=l\, M\, G_d/R^{d-1}$; where $l$ represents the spherical harmonic index, $M\,G_d$ being the total star mass and $R$ the stellar radius.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

A magnetic white-dwarf accretion model for the anomalous X-ray pulsar 4U 0142+61

The quiescent emission of the anomalous X-ray pulsar (AXP) 4U 0142+61 extends over a broad range of energy, from radio up to hard X-rays. In particular, this object is unique among soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs) and AXPs in presenting simultaneously mid-infrared emission and pulsed optical emission. In spite of the many propositions to explain this wide range of emission, it still lacks one that reproduces all the observations. Filling this gap, we present a model to reproduce the quiescent spectral energy distribution of 4U 0142+61 from mid-infrared up to hard X-rays using plausible physical components and parameters. We propose that the persistent emission comes from a magnetic accreting white dwarf (WD) surrounded by a debris disk. This model assumes that: (i) the hard X-rays are due to the bremsstrahlung emission from the post-shock region of the accretion column; (ii) the soft X-rays are originated by hot spots on the WD surface; and (iii) the optical and infrared emissions are caused by an optically thick dusty disk, the WD photosphere, and the tail of the postshock region emission. In this scenario, the fitted model parameters indicate that 4U 0142+61 harbors a fast-rotator magnetic near-Chandrasekhar WD, which is very hot and hence young. Such a WD can be the recent outcome of a merger of two less massive WDs. In this case, 4U 0142+61 can evolve to an SN Ia and hence can give hints of the origin of these important astrophysical events. Additionally, we also present a new estimate of 4U 0142+61 distance, 3.78 (errors: +0.12 / -0.18 kpc), based on the measured Hydrogen column density and new interstellar extinction 3D maps.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Gravastar model in Randall-Sundrum braneworld

In this work we derive a gravastar model in Randall-Sundrum II braneworld scenario. Gravastars (or gravitationally vacuum stars) were proposed by Mazur and Mottola as systems of gravitational collapse alternative to black holes. The external region of the gravastar is described by a Schwarzschild space-time, while its internal region is filled by dark energy. In between there is a thin shell surface with ultrarelativistic matter (sometimes referred to as stiff matter). We obtain solutions for some physical quantities of the braneworld gravastars. Those are compared to original Mazur-Mottola results as well as with some gravastar solutions in alternative gravity theories. The consequences of the braneworld setup in gravastar physics is deeply discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Extra dimensions' influence on the equilibrium and radial stability of strange quark stars

We analyze the influence of extra dimensions on the static equilibrium configurations and stability against radial perturbations. For this purpose, we solve stellar structure equations and radial perturbation equations, both modified for a $d$-dimensional spacetime ($d\geq4$) considering that spacetime outside the object is described by a Schwarzschild-Tangherlini metric. These equations are integrated considering a MIT bag model equation of state extended for $d\geq4$. We show that the spacetime dimension influences both the structure and stability of compact objects. For an interval of central energy densities $ρ_{cd}\,G_d$ and total masses $MG_d/(d-3)$, we show that the stars gain more stability when the dimension is increased. In addition, the maximum value of $M{G_d}/(d-3)$ and the zero eigenfrequency of oscillation are found with the same value of $ρ_{cd}\,G_d$; i.e., the peak value of $M{G_d}/(d-3)$ marks the onset of instability. This indicates that the necessary and sufficient conditions to recognize regions constructed by stable and unstable equilibrium configurations against radial perturbations are, respectively, $dM/dρ_{cd}>0$ and $dM/dρ_{cd}<0$. We obtain that some physical parameter of the compact object in a $d$-dimensional spacetime, such as the radius and the mass, depend of the normalization. Finally, within the Newtonian framework, the results show that compact objects with adiabatic index $Γ_1\geq2(d-2)/(d-1)$ are stable against small radial perturbations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Very Magnetized White Dwarfs with Axisymmetric Magnetic Field and the Importance of the Electron Capture and Pycnonuclear Fusion Reactions for their Stability

In this work, we study the properties of magnetized white dwarfs taking into account possible instabilities due to electron capture and pycnonuclear fusion reactions in the cores of such objects. The structure of white dwarfs is obtained by solving the Einstein-Maxwell equations with a poloidal magnetic field in a fully general relativistic approach. The stellar interior is composed of a regular crystal lattice made of carbon ions immersed in a degenerate relativistic electron gas. The onsets of electron capture reactions and pycnonuclear reactions are determined with and without magnetic fields. We find that magnetized white dwarfs violate the standard Chandrasekhar mass limit significantly, even when electron capture and pycnonuclear fusion reactions are present in the stellar interior. We obtain a maximum white dwarf mass of around $2.14\,M_{\odot}$ for a central magnetic field of $\sim 3.85\times 10^{14}$~G, which indicates that magnetized white dwarfs may play a role for the interpretation of superluminous type Ia supernovae. Furthermore, we show that the critical density for pycnonuclear fusion reactions limits the central white dwarf density to $9.35\times 10^9$ g/cm$^3$. As a result, equatorial radii of white dwarfs cannot be smaller than $\sim 1100$~km. Another interesting feature concerns the relationship between the central stellar density and the strength of the magnetic field at the core of a magnetized white dwarf. For high magnetic fields, we find that the central density increases (stellar radius decrease) with magnetic field strength, which makes ultramagnetized white dwarfs more compact. The opposite is the case, however, if the central magnetic field is less than $\sim 10^{13}$~G. In the latter case, the central density decreases (stellar radius increases) with central magnetic field strengths.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

Magnetars and White Dwarf Pulsars

The Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs) and Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters (SGRs) are a class of pulsars understood as neutron stars (NSs) with super strong surface magnetic fields, namely $B\gtrsim10^{14}$ G, and for that reason are known as Magnetars. However, in the last years some SGRs/AXPs with low surface magnetic fields $B\sim(10^{12}-10^{13})$ G have been detected, challenging the Magnetar description. Moreover, some fast and very magnetic white dwarfs (WDs) have also been observed, and at least one showed X-Ray energy emission as an ordinary pulsar. Following this fact, an alternative model based on white dwarfs pulsars has been proposed to explain this special class of pulsars. In this model, AXPs and SGRs as dense and magnetized white dwarfs can have surface magnetic field $B\sim 10^{7}-10^{10}$ G and rotate very fast with frequencies $Ω\sim 1$ rad/s, consistent with the observed rotation periods $P\sim (2-12)$ s.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

SGRs and AXPs as rotation powered massive white dwarfs

SGR 0418+5729 is a "Rosetta Stone" for deciphering the energy source of Soft Gamma Ray Repeaters (SGRs) and Anomalous X-ray Pulsars (AXPs). We show a model based on canonical physics and astrophysics for SGRs and AXPs powered by massive highly magnetized rotating white dwarfs (WDs), in total analogy with pulsars powered by rotating neutron stars (NSs). We predict for SGR 0418+5729 a lower limit for its spin-down rate, $\dot{P} \geq L_X P^3/(4π^2 I)=1.18\times 10^{-16}$ where $I$ is the moment of inertia of the WD. We show for SGRs and AXPs that, the occurrence of the glitch and the gain of rotational energy, is due to the release of gravitational energy associated to the contraction and decrease of the moment of inertia of the WDs. The steady emission and the outburst following the glitch are explained by the loss of rotational energy of the Wds, in view of the much larger moment of inertia of the WDs, as compared to the one of NSs and/or quark stars. There is no need here to invoke the unorthodox concept of magnetic energy release due to decay of overcritical magnetic fields, as assumed in the magnetar model. A new astrophysical scenario for the SGRs and AXPs associated to Supernova remnants is presented. The observational campaigns of the X-ray Japanese satellite Suzaku on AE Aquarii and the corresponding theoretical works by Japanese groups and recent results of the Hubble Space Telescope, give crucial information for our theoretical model. Follow-on missions of Hubble Telescope and VLT are highly recommended to give further observational evidence of this most fundamental issue of relativistic astrophysics: the identification of the true SGRs/AXPs energy source.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2009

Electrically Charged Strange Quark Stars

The possible existence of compact stars made of absolutely stable strange quark matter--referred to as strange stars--was pointed out by E. Witten almost a quarter of a century ago. One of the most amazing features of such objects concerns the possible existence of ultra-strong electric fields on their surfaces, which, for ordinary strange matter, is around $10^{18}$ V/cm. If strange matter forms a color superconductor, as expected for such matter, the strength of the electric field may increase to values that exceed $10^{19}$ V/cm. The energy density associated with such huge electric fields is on the same order of magnitude as the energy density of strange matter itself, which, as shown in this paper, alters the masses and radii of strange quark stars at the 15% and 5% level, respectively. Such mass increases facilitate the interpretation of massive compact stars, with masses of around $2 M_\odot$, as strange quark stars.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2006

Ultra-Dense Neutron Star Matter, Strange Quark Stars, and the Nuclear Equation of State

With central densities way above the density of atomic nuclei, neutron stars contain matter in one of the densest forms found in the universe. Depending of the density reached in the cores of neutron stars, they may contain stable phases of exotic matter found nowhere else in space. This article gives a brief overview of the phases of ultra-dense matter predicted to exist deep inside neutron stars and discusses the equation of state associated with such matter.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Electrically charged compact stars

We review here the classical argument used to justify the electrical neutrality of stars and show that if the pressure and density of the matter and gravitational field inside the star are large, then a charge and a strong electric field can be present. For a neutron star with high pressure (~ 10^{33} to 10^{35} dynes /cm^2) and strong gravitational field (~ 10^{14} cm/s^2), these conditions are satisfied. The hydrostatic equation which arises from general relativity, is modified considerably to meet the requirements of the inclusion of the charge. In order to see any appreciable effect on the phenomenology of the neutron stars, the charge and the electrical fields have to be huge (~ 10^{21} Volts/cm). These stars are not however stable from the viewpoint that each charged particle is unbound to the uncharged particles, and thus the system collapses one step further to a charged black hole

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

General relativistic effects of strong magnetic fields on the gravitational force: a driving engine for bursts of gamma rays in SGRs?

In general relativity all forms of energy contribute to gravity and not only just ordinary matter as in Newtonian Physics. This fact can be seen in the modified hydrostatic equilibrium equation for relativistic stars pervaded by magnetic (B) fields. It has an additional term coupled to the matter part as well as an anisotropic term which is purely of magnetic origin. That additional term coming from the pressure changed by the radial component of the diagonal electromagnetic field tensor, weakens the gravitational force when B is strong enough and can even produce an unexpected change in the attractive nature of the force by reversing its sign. In an extreme case, this new general relativistic (GR) effect can even trigger an instability in the star as a consequence of the sudden reversal of the hydrostatic pressure gradient. We suggest here that this GR effect may be the possible central engine driving the transient giant outbursts observed in Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters (SGRs). In small regions of the neutron star (NS), strong magnetic condensation can take place. Beyond a critical limit, these highly magnetised bubbles may explode releasing the trapped energy as a burst of gamma-rays of ~ 10^{36-40} erg.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Charged polytropic compact stars

In this work, we analyze the effect of charge in compact stars considering the limit of the maximum amount of charge they can hold. We find that the global balance of the forces allows a huge charge (~ 10^{20} Coulomb) to be present in a neutron star producing a very high electric field (~ 10^{21} V/m). We have studied the particular case of a polytropic equation of state and assumed that the charge distribution is proportional to the mass density. The charged stars have large mass and radius as we should expect due to the effect of the repulsive Coulomb force with the M/R ratio increasing with charge. In the limit of the maximum charge the mass goes up to ~ 10 M_sun which is much higher than the maximum mass allowed for a neutral compact star. However, the local effect of the forces experienced by a single charged particle, makes it to discharge quickly. This creates a global force imbalance and the system collapses to a charged black hole.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2004

Charged Polytropic Stars and a Generalization of Lane-Emden Equation

In this paper we will discuss charged stars with polytropic equation of state, where we will try to derive an equation analogous to the Lane-Emden equation. We will assume that these stars are spherically symmetric, and the electric field have only the radial component. First we will review the field equations for such stars and then we will proceed with the analog of the Lane-Emden equation for a polytropic Newtonian fluid and their relativistic equivalent. These kind of equations are very interesting because they transform all the structure equations of the stars in a group of differential equations which are much more simple to solve than the source equations. These equations can be solved numerically for some boundary conditions and for some initial parameters. For this we will assume that the pressure caused by the electric field obeys a polytropic equation of state too.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

Electrically charged compact stars and formation of charged black holes

We study the effect of electric charge in compact stars assuming that the charge distribution is proportional to the mass density. The pressure and the density of the matter inside the stars are large, and the gravitational field is intense. This indicates that electric charge and a strong electric field can also be present. The relativistic hydrostatic equilibrium equation, i.e., the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equation, is modified in order to include electric charge. We perform a detailed numerical study of the effect of electric charge using a polytropic equation of state. We conclude that in order to see any appreciable effect on the phenomenology of the compact stars, the electric fields have to be huge (~ 10^{21} V/m), which implies that the total charge is Q ~ 10^{20} Coulomb. From the local effect of the forces experienced on a single charged particle, it is expected that each individual charged particle is quickly ejected from the star. This in turn produces a huge force imbalance, and the gravitational force overwhelms the repulsive Coulomb and fluid pressure forces. The star can then collapse to form a charged black hole before all the charge leaves the system.

astro-ph↗