arXiv subjects

Prajwal MohanMurthy

Publications and source records attributed to Prajwal MohanMurthy.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Exploring the internal structure of a neutron star and the associated magnetic fields aided by the mass-radius relationship

Neutron stars exhibit magnetic fields and densities far beyond those achievable in terrestrial laboratories, offering a natural probe of strongly interacting matter under extreme conditions. Using observationally anchored mass-radius relations and a density profile consistent with established equations of state, we construct a piecewise model that explicitly integrates the neutron-drip line, nuclear-saturation, the electron-dominated halo, and core-crust interfaces. The resulting structure reproduces the stiffness and curvature behavior across the nuclear-pasta regime reported in the literature, validating our treatment of the crust-core transition. From this model, we derive updated moments of inertia, crustal mass fractions, and the effective number of neutrons contributing to the star's magnetic moment. Comparing these quantities with spin-down inferred magnetic dipole moments indicates that the observed magnetic fields of particularly millisecond pulsars can be sustained entirely by the crustal neutron polarization, requiring alignment of only about $\lesssim5.5\%$ ($99\%$ C.L.) of the neutrons in the crust. This finding supports a crust-confined magnetic-field origin for non-magnetar neutron stars, consistent with magneto-thermal evolution studies, and provides a quantitative framework for connecting neutron-star observables to its underlying structure.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Realizing the Scientific Program with Polarized Ion Beams at EIC

Polarized ion beams at the Electron Ion Collider are essential to address some of the most important open questions at the twenty-first century frontiers of understanding of the fundamental structure of matter. Here, we summarize the science case and identify polarized $^2$H, $^3$He, $^6$Li and $^7$Li ion beams as critical technology that will enable experiments which address the most important science. Further, we discuss the required ion polarimetry and spin manipulation in EIC. The current EIC accelerator design is presented. We identify a significant R\&D effort involving both national laboratories and universities that is required over about a decade to realize the polarized ion beams and estimate (based on previous experience) that it will require about 20 FTE over 10 years (or a total of about 200 FTE-years) of personnel, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians and engineers. Attracting, educating and training a new generation of physicists in experimental spin techniques will be essential for successful realization. AI/ML is seen as having significant potential for both acceleration of R\&D and amplification of discovery in optimal realization of this unique quantum technology on a cutting-edge collider. The R\&D effort is synergistic with research in atomic physics and fusion energy science.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

Measurement of Quadrupole Deformation using E$2$ and M$1+$E$2$ Transitions in Heavy Isotopes in the Mass Range of $150<A<250$

The measurement of a permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) in atoms is crucial for understanding the origins of CP-violation. However, accurate interpretation of the EDM in systems involving deformed isotopes requires the characterization of their deformation. While nuclear deformation is indicated in various structure models, there is substantial mutual disagreement between the theoretical models or between theoretical models and experimental values. Nuclear E$2$ transitions allow access to quantify quadrupole deformation, but these transitions are often mixed with M$1$ transitions. Both E$2$ and M$1$ transitions are well characterized by Weisskopf estimates, which rely on a single-particle approximation, but deviate due to collective nuclear deformations. Previously, Weisskopf estimates were only available for the mass range $A<150$, and in this work we have extended the Weisskopf estimates of both E$2$ and M$1$ transition lifetimes to the mass range of $150\le A\le 250$. We comprehensively studied the deviation of E$2$ and M$1+$E$2$ transition lifetimes from the newly established Weisskopf estimates in $91$ candidate isotopes, by comparing the transition lifetimes of the candidate isotopes to their nearest even-even counterparts, whose E$2$ transition strengths are very well understood. Estimates of collective nuclear quadrupole deformation in $67$ of these isotopes were thus obtained, either from E$2$ or M$1+$E$2$ transition lifetimes. In $32$ cases they were obtained from both types of transitions independently, and are mutually consistent, as well as following the trends established in theory. We thereby identify the isotopes $^{223,225}$Fr, $^{221,223}$Ra, $^{223,225,227}$Ac and $^{229}$Pa, where EDM measurements are foreseen and information on nuclear deformation is needed, for which no measurement of nuclear quadrupole deformation has been made.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

A survey of nuclear quadrupole deformation in order to estimate the nuclear MQM and its relative contribution to the atomic EDM

New sources of charge-parity (CP) violation, beyond the known sources in the standard model (SM), are required to explain the baryon asymmetry of the universe. Measurement of a non-zero permanent electric dipole moment (EDM) in fundamental particles, such as in an electron or a neutron, or in nuclei or atoms, can help us gain a handle on the sources of CP violation, both in the SM and beyond. The nuclear magnetic quadrupole moment (MQM), the central topic of this work, is also CP, P, and T violating. Nucleons and nuclei have a non-zero MQM from sources within the SM, but the nuclear MQM is dramatically enhanced if the nuclei are structurally quadrupole deformed. Multiple sources contribute to an atomic EDM \emph{viz.} (i) nuclear EDM through its Schiff moment, which is enhanced by nuclear octupole deformation, (ii) CP violating interactions between the electrons and the nuclei, and (iii) the nuclear MQM that contributes to the atomic EDM in atoms with an unpaired valence electron. Our survey of nuclear quadrupole deformation has identified $^{151}$Nd, $^{153}$Pm, $^{153}$Sm, $^{157}$Ho, $^{163,165}$Er, $^{161,168}$Tm, $^{167}$Yb, $^{169}$Hf, $^{171,180}$Ta, $^{173,175,177,179,180}$Re, $^{190,192}$Ir, $^{188}$Au, $^{223,225}$Fr, $^{223,227,229,231}$Ra, $^{223,225,227,229}$Ac, $^{229,231}$Th, $^{229,231,233,235}$Pa, $^{235}$U, $^{233,235,237,238,239}$Np, $^{237}$Pu, and $^{239,241,242,243,245}$Am as ideal systems in which to search for a CP violating EDM via their enhanced nuclear MQM, while $^{223,225}$Fr, $^{223}$Ra, $^{223,225,227}$Ac, $^{229}$Th, and $^{229}$Pa also have maximally enhanced nuclear Schiff moment contribution due to their octupole deformation. Laser cooling of the isotopes of Er, Tm, Yb, Fr, and Ra has already been demonstrated, making $^{223,225}$Fr and $^{223}$Ra some of the best systems in which to measure an EDM.

nucl-ex↗