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S. K. Patra

Publications and source records attributed to S. K. Patra.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Universality in spacetime $ω$ modes of quarkyonic stars

The gravitational wave $ω$ mode spectrum presents a unique window into the dense interior of neutron stars, probing physics inaccessible to electromagnetic observations. This work investigates the $ω$ modes of compact stars composed of quarkyonic matter. The quarkyonic model, which describes a cross-over transition between nucleonic and quark matter treated as quasi-particles, is formulated within the Relativistic Mean-Field (RMF) theory using the G3 and IOPB-I parameterizations. This core is surrounded by a mantle of hadronic matter, creating a multicomponent stellar interior. The overall Equation of State (EOS) is governed by two key parameters: the transition density ($n_t$), the QCD confinement scale ($Λ_{\rm cs}$), which are varied to construct models consistent with current astrophysical constraints on mass and radius. We compute the complex eigenfrequencies (damped oscillations) of the fundamental and first excited $ω$ modes using the phase-amplitude method within a full general relativistic framework. Our simulations reveal that the admixed quarkyonic structure produces a unique $ω$ mode signature, distinctly different from pure hadronic or hybrid stars. The spectrum exhibits a strong, degenerate dependence on the EOS, where the stiffening effect of the quarkyonic matter influences oscillation frequencies and damping times in a characteristic manner. We also demonstrate that $ω$ mode frequencies for quarkyonic stars follow approximate universal relations, largely independent of the EOS.

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Quarkyonic Neutron Stars as Candidates for the GW230529 Mass-Gap Object

We examine whether quarkyonic equations of state (EOS) can account for compact objects in the $2.5$-$4.5\,M_\odot$ mass range reported for the GW230529 gravitational-wave event. The pressure-energy density and mass-radius (M-R) relations obtained from quarkyonic EOS models indicate a significant stiffening at high densities, allowing stable configurations beyond $2.5\,M_\odot$. The predicted M-R sequences extend into the GW230529 mass window while maintaining radii in the range of $\approx 13$-$15$~km, suggesting that quarkyonic stars can naturally populate the so-called compact object mass gap. These results imply that the heavier component of GW230529 could plausibly be a massive quarkyonic neutron star rather than a low-mass black hole.

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Anomalous Behavior of Giant Monopole Resonance Energy with Nuclear Matter Incompressibility in the framework of Relativistic Mean Field Formalism and Coherent Density Fluctuation Model

The finite nucleus incompressibility $K^A$ is evaluated using the coherent density fluctuation model with the extended relativistic mean field density. The relativistic energy density functional for nuclear matter is replaced by the local density approximation for finite nuclei. The equation is used to calculate the finite nuclear incompressibility, which is further utilized to evaluate the isoscalar giant monopole excitation (ISGMR) energy $E_M$. This excitation energy is compared with other theoretical calculations and experimental data, wherever available. The results are comparable to the data. In contrast to the general understanding, the $E_M$ of finite nucleus is found to be maximum for the lowest nuclear matter incompressibility $K_{\infty}$, whereas it is minimum for the maximum $K_{\infty}$. These reverse results may be due to the self- and cross-interactions of the vector mesons in the nuclear potential.

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Dirac vs. Majorana Dark Matter Imprints on Neutron Star Observables

The fundamental character of a fermionic dark matter, whether it is a Dirac or Majorana particle remains a key unresolved issue whose answer would profoundly affect dark-sector phenomenology and detection strategies thereby motivates complementary probes across particle and astrophysical experiments. Compact stars, particularly neutron stars, offer unique astrophysical laboratories for probing such fundamental properties under extreme densities. The presence of a fermionic DM admixed with nuclear matter can modify the equation of state, thereby affecting observable quantities such as the mass-radius (M-R) relation and tidal deformability. In this work, we investigate how the intrinsic particle nature of fermionic DM influences neutron star structure. Within a relativistic mean-field framework extended by a scalar (or Higgs like) portal coupling between DM and nucleons, we construct self-consistent equation of states for both Dirac and Majorana cases and solve the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations to obtain stellar configurations. Owing to the difference in internal degrees of freedom, Dirac DM (four degrees of freedom) generally softens the equation of state more strongly than Majorana DM (two degrees of freedom), leading to smaller radii and lower maximum masses. We identify the parameter space consistent with current NICER and gravitational-wave constraints, highlighting the potential of compact-star observations to discriminate between Dirac and Majorana dark matter.

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Core or Halo? Two-Fluid Analysis of Dark Matter-Admixed Quarkyonic Stars in the Multi-Messenger Era

For the first time, we explore dark matter (DM) admixed quarkyonic stars (DAQSs) within a two-fluid formalism, where the normal/visible sector is modeled by a quarkyonic equation of state (EOS) in the Effective Relativistic Mean Field (E-RMF) framework and the DM component is treated as a degenerate fermionic gas with scalar and vector self-interactions. Our analysis begins with the mass-radius (M-R) relation, showing that the inclusion of DM enables stellar configurations to reach the mass range compatible with the GW190814 event. We identify both DM core and DM halo morphologies among the viable EOSs, with core dominated and halo dominated cases exhibiting distinct signatures. By fixing the stellar mass within the GW190814 range, we constrain the possible dark matter fractions and explore the role of different interaction channels. Using the EOSs consistent with these constraints, we further investigate the tidal deformability ($Λ$), moment of inertia (MOI), and stellar radius, finding broad agreement with constraints from GW170817, GW190814, and NICER. Finally, we compile the characteristic properties of DAQSs, including EOS type, DM fractions, morphology (core vs halo), and macroscopic observables in a comparative summary. This study provides a unified two-fluid framework to explore dense QCD matter and dark matter in the multi-messenger era, suggesting that the GW190814 secondary object could plausibly be interpreted as either a DM core or a DM halo quarkyonic star.

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$w$-mode oscillation of neutron star in a new relativistic hybrid model

We investigate how the pulsation frequencies of axial gravitational-wave modes ($w$-modes) in a non-rotating neutron star depend on its composition, particularly when including quarkyonic matter and fermionic dark matter. These modes emerge from the coupling between the star's fluid component and the gravitational field of general relativity, which are highly damped and characterized by complex frequencies with comparable real and imaginary parts. Using a relativistic mean field formalism for the nucleonic component, we modeled the neutron star's interior, while the exterior is analyzed through the complex-coordinate method to determine the $w$-modes. Our study employs a realistic equation of state, based on different physical assumptions and covering a broad area of observational constraints, starting from finite nuclei to nuclear matter with extreme conditions. The numerical findings demonstrate that axial $w$-modes provide valuable insights into the properties of neutron star matter, highlighting their significance in probing the star's internal structure.

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Exploring the giant monopole resonance in superheavy nuclei: A theoretical perspective

Within the relativistic mean field framework, in an extended Thomas-Fermi approximation, we calculate the binding energy and charge distribution radius for the latest superheavy nuclei, synthesised in various laboratories, with atomic numbers $Z = 110-118$. The binding energy and radii are compared with the results obtained from relativistic Hartree calculations along with the experimental data, wherever available, to check the reliability of the methods. The calculations are extended to estimate the giant monopole resonances to understand the collective vibration of the nucleons for such superheavy nuclei. The giant monopole resonances obtained from scaling calculations are compared with the constraint computations. Furthermore, the results are compared with other known methods, such as the relativistic Random Phase Approximation (RPA) and time-dependent mean field calculations, along with some known lighter nuclei, specifically Zr isotopes (N = 42-86) and O isotopes (N = 10-36). Finally, the nuclear compressibility of the superheavy nuclei is predicted from the energy obtained in the breathing mode.

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Superheavy Nuclei and the Changing Face of Nuclear Magicity

Using a relativistic mean field formalism, we analyzed the magic number sequence for finite nuclei in the superheavy valley. The result for the IOPB-I parameter set is compared with the well-known NL3 force. The magic numbers obtained from IOPB-I and NL3 interactions are found to be similar. Analysing the single-particle levels and the number of nucleons occupied in it, we find the close shell sequence as 2, 8, 18, 34, 50, 58, 80, 82, 92, 114, 120, 120, 138, 164, 172, 184 and 198 for the $^{318}{120}$ mass region. Again, with a careful inspection, we noticed large shell gaps at nucleon numbers 2, 8, 18, 34, 50, 58, 80, 92, 120, 138, 164, 172, 184, and 198, which may be considered as the magic number sequence for the superheavy nuclei. This change may be due to the shape change of the nuclear potential as compared to the stability valley.

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Correlation between the curvature and some properties of the neutron star

According to the general theory of relativity, a massive body induces curvature in the surrounding spacetime. In this study, the surface curvature (SC) of neutron stars is computed using various curvature quantities derived from the relativistic mean-field, density-dependent RMF, and Skyrme-Hartree-Fock equations of states. Neutron star properties, including mass, radius, compactness, and central density, are calculated utilizing the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations. The analysis reveals a significant cubic correlation between the SC and compactness for the canonical 1.4 $M_{\odot}$ neutron star, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99, indicating an almost linear relationship. A similarly significant inverse cubic correlation is observed between the SC and the radius of the canonical star. However, these correlations diminish for the maximum mass NS. Furthermore, a universal relation between the SC and the dimensionless tidal deformability ($Λ$) for the canonical neutron star is established. Using the tidal deformability constraint of GW170817 ($Λ_{1.4} = 190_{-120}^{+390}$), the surface curvature is limited to SC$_{1.4} (10^{14}) = 2.87^{+0.30}_{-0.78}$ at a confidence level 90\%. Furthermore, the tidal deformability constraint of the secondary component in the GW190814 event ($Λ_{1.4} = 616_{-158}^{+273}$) offers a more stringent limit, with the result of SC$_{1.4} (10^{14}) = 2.03^{+0.27}_{-0.36}$. These findings indicate that the GW190814 event imposes more rigorous constraints on SC compared to GW170817.

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Dark Matter Effects on the Curvature of Neutron Stars within the new Quarkyonic Model Coupled with Relativistic Mean Field Theory

For the first time, we analyze the impact of dark matter (DM) on the curvature properties of quarkyonic neutron stars (NS) using a hybrid model based on quarkyonic-effective field theory within the relativistic mean-field (E-RMF) framework. This study examines the radial variation of curvature components, including the Ricci scalar ($\cal{R}$), Ricci tensor ($\cal{J}$), Kretschmann scalar ($\cal{K}$), and Weyl tensor ($\cal{W}$), under different DM admixtures. These components offer critical insights into the spacetime geometry and gravitational field strength within the star. The analysis spans canonical mass (1.4 $M_{\odot}$) and maximum mass configurations, varying key parameters such as the transition density ($n_t$) and QCD confinement scale ($Λ_{\rm cs}$), which influence matter transitions and quark confinement. Our results reveal that DM and quarkyonic matter (QM) significantly affect the star's curvature. Central curvature values, particularly $\cal{R}$, $\cal{J}$, and $\cal{K}$, increase with DM due to higher central densities but decrease with stronger QM effects. Stiffer EOSs yield smoother curvature profiles, while softer EOSs influenced by DM redistribute curvature more dynamically. DM softens the EOS, reducing central pressure and compactness, whereas higher $n_t$ values enhance compactness and central pressures. These findings show that dark matter plays a key role in shaping the curvature of quarkyonic neutron stars, offering new insights into compact objects with exotic matter.

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$f$-mode oscillations of dark matter admixed quarkyonic neutron star

We systematically investigate $f-$mode oscillations ($\ell$ = 2) in quarkyonic neutron stars with dark matter, employing the Cowling approximation within the framework of linearized general relativity. The relativistic mean-field approach is used to compute various macroscopic properties of neutron stars. The analysis focuses on three key free parameters in the model: transition density, QCD confinement scale, and dark matter (DM) Fermi momentum, all of which significantly affect the properties of $f-$mode oscillations. The inclusion of dark matter in quarkyonic equations of state leads to notable variations in $f-$mode frequencies. Despite these changes, several universal relations among the oscillation properties are found to hold, demonstrating their robustness in the presence of dark matter.

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Dark Matter Influence on Quarkyonic Stars: A Relativistic Mean Field Analysis

The formulation of quarkyonic matter consists of treating both quarks and nucleons as quasi-particles, where a cross-over transition occurs between the two phases. This work is based upon some of the early ideas of quark matter. It can satisfy the different observational constraints on the neutron star (NS), such as its maximum mass and the canonical radius. In addition, we put an extra component inside the NS known as Dark Matter (DM) because it is trapped due to its immense gravitational potential. In this work, we explore the impact of fermionic DM on the structure of the NS. The equation of state (EOS) is derived for the NS with the quarkyonic matter by assuming that nucleons and quarks are in equilibrium, followed by the relativistic mean-field (RMF) formalism. The recently modeled two parameterizations, such as G3 and IOPB-I, are taken to calculate the various macroscopic properties of the NS. The three unknown parameters such as the transition density ($n_t$), the QCD confinement scale ($Λ_{\rm sc}$), and the DM Fermi momentum ($k_f^{\rm DM}$) are varied to obtain the NS properties. The quarkyonic matter stiffens the EOS while DM softens it. The mutual combination provides us with good theoretical predictions for the magnitude of macroscopic properties consistent with the different observational results. Also, one can estimate the parameters of the DM admixed quarkyonic star with different statistical analyses, which can be further used to explore the other properties of the quarkyonic star.

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Nuclear incompressibility and its enduring impact on fusion cross-section

The fusion mechanism of reactions involving even-even $^{112-124}$Sn, doubly magic $^{132}$Sn, $^{208}$Pb as targets, and $^{64}$Ni as the projectile is explored within the relativistic mean field (RMF) formalism. The main aim of choosing these nuclei is to explore the correlation between the nuclear incompressibility and the fusion cross-section. The nucleus-nucleus interaction potential is calculated by folding the axially deformed nuclear densities and the relativistic R3Y nucleon-nucleon (NN) potential obtained for the nonlinear sets of NL3$^*$, hybrid, and NL1, which yield different values for various characteristics of nuclear matter at saturation. The fusion barrier characteristics obtained for different RMF parameterizations are further used to calculate the cross-section within the $\ell$-summed Wong model. We found a decrease in the barrier height and consequently, an increase in the cross-section with a decrease in the incompressibility for all sets of parameters considered. The calculated cross section is satisfactorily consistent with the available experimental data for $^{64}$Ni+$^{208}$Pb system. In contrast, the nuclear potentials obtained for NL3$^*$ and the hybrid parameter sets underestimate the cross-section at below-barrier energies for $^{64}$Ni+$^{112-124,132}$Sn reactions. This discrepancy between the experimental data and the theoretical results for $^{64}$Ni+$^{112-124,132}$Sn reactions can be correlated with the soft behaviour of the Sn isotopes. The compressible nature of Sn-isotopes is inferred to lower the barrier height, which further leads to enhancement of the experimental fusion and/or capture cross-section at below-barrier energies. Thus, the NL1 parameter set with a comparatively soft equation of state (EoS) is observed to be a better choice to describe the sub-barrier nuclear fusion dynamics of reactions involving the Sn-isotopes.

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Reply to the "Comment on `Effect of density and nucleon-nucleon potential on the fusion cross section within the relativistic mean field formalism'"

In reply to the Comment made by M. V. Chushnyakova et al. on our paper [Phys. Rev. C 101, 044603 (2020)], we argue that the calculations, results and conclusions of our paper remain valid. We have shown here the calculations for one reaction using the deformed densities and the R3Y nucleon-nucleon potential obtained within the relativistic mean-field (RMF) formalism. Suitable clarications and justifications are given to address all the points raised in the Comment.

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Influence of Dark Matter on the Magnetized Neutron Star

Over the past two decades, significant strides have been made in the study of Dark Matter (DM) admixed neutron stars and their associated properties. However, an intriguing facet regarding the effect of DM on magnetized neutron stars still remains unexplored. This study is carried out to analyze the properties of DM admixed magnetized neutron stars. The equation of state for the DM admixed neutron star is calculated using the relativistic mean-field model with the inclusion of a density-dependent magnetic field. Several macroscopic properties, such as mass, radius, particle fractions, tidal deformability, and the $f$-mode frequency, are calculated with different magnetic field strengths and DM configurations. The equation of state is softer with the presence of DM as well as for the parallel components of the magnetic field and vice-versa for the perpendicular one. Other macroscopic properties, such as mass, radius, tidal deformability, etc., are also affected by both DM and magnetic fields. The change in the magnitude of different neutron star observables is proportional to the amount of DM percentage and the strength of the magnetic field. We observe that the change is seen mainly in the core part of the star without affecting the crustal properties.

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Quarkyonic Model for Neutron Star Matter: A Relativistic Mean-Field Approach

The concept of quarkyonic matter presents a promising alternative to the conventional models used to describe high-density matter and provides a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the properties of matter under extreme conditions that exist in astrophysical bodies. The aim of this study is to showcase the effectiveness of utilizing the quarkyonic model, in combination with the relativistic mean-field formalism, to parameterize the equation of state at high densities. Through this approach, we intend to investigate and gain insights into various fundamental properties of a static neutron star, such as its compositional ingredients, speed of sound, mass-radius profile, and tidal deformability. The obtained results revealed that the quarkyonic matter equation of state (EOS) is capable of producing a heavy neutron star with the mass range of $\sim$ $2.8 M_\odot$. The results of our inquiry have demonstrated that the EOS for quarkyonic matter not only yields a neutron star with a significantly high mass but also showcases a remarkable degree of coherence with the conformal limit of the speed of sound originating from deconfined QCD matter. Furthermore, we have observed that the tidal deformability of the neutron star, corresponding to the EOSs of quarkyonic matter, is in excellent agreement with the observational constraints derived from the GW170817 and GW190425 events. This finding implies that the quarkyonic model is capable of forecasting the behavior of neutron stars associated with binary merger systems. This aspect has been meticulously scrutinized in terms of merger time, gravitational wave signatures, and collapse times using numerical relativity simulations.

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Constraining the Surface Curvature of an Anisotropic Neutron Star

The anisotropy of pressure arises due to the various complex phenomena that happen inside the neutron star (NS). In this study, we calculate the degree of anisotropy inside the NS using the scalar pressure anisotropy model. Macroscopic properties such as mass, radius, compactness, redshift, tidal deformability, the moment of inertia, and surface curvature (SC) are computed for the anisotropic NS with the equation of states spanning from relativistic to nonrelativistic cases. The variation of SC as the functions of the above-mentioned quantities are computed by changing the degree of anisotropy. Pressure anisotropy has significant effects on the magnitude of SC. The universal relations between the canonical SC$-Λ$ and SC$-\bar{I}$ are studied. From the GW170817 tidal deformability data constraints on SC are found to be SC$_{1.4}(10^{14}) = 3.44_{-1.0}^{+0.4}, 2.85_{-1.20}^{+0.62}, \ {\rm and} \ 2.52_{-1.02}^{+0.61}$ for $λ_{\rm BL} = 0.0, 1.0$, and $2.0$ respectively.

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Magnetised neutron star crust within effective relativistic mean-field model

Even though the crystallize nature of the neutron star crust plays a pivotal role in describing various fascinating astrophysical observations, its microscopic structure is not fully understood in the presence of a colossal magnetic field. In the present work, we study the crustal properties of a neutron star within an effective relativistic mean field framework in the presence of magnetic field strength $\sim 10^{17}$G. We calculate the equilibrium composition of the outer crust by minimizing the Gibbs free energy using the most recent atomic mass evaluations. The magnetic field significantly affects the equation of state (EoS) and the properties of the outer crust, such as neutron drip density, pressure, and melting temperature. For the inner crust, we use the compressible liquid drop model for the first time to study the crustal properties in a magnetic environment. The inner crust properties, such as mass and charge number distribution, isospin asymmetry, cluster density, etc., show typical quantum oscillations (De Haas-van Alphen effect) sensitive to the magnetic field's strength. The density-dependent symmetry energy influences the magnetic inner crust like the field-free case. We study the probable modifications in the pasta structures and it is observed that their mass and thickness changes by $\sim 10-15 \%$ depending upon the magnetic field strength. The fundamental torsional oscillation mode frequency is investigated for the magnetized crust in the context of quasiperiodic oscillations (QPO) in soft gamma repeaters. The magnetic field strengths considered in this work influences only the EoS of outer and shallow regions of the inner crust, which results in no significant change in global neutron star properties. However, the outer crust mass and its moment of inertia increase considerably with increase in magnetic field strength.

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