arXiv subjects

Sarmistha Banik

Publications and source records attributed to Sarmistha Banik.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

$K^-$-Driven Direct Urca Cooling in Rotating Neutron Stars: A Bayesian Study

We investigate the onset of antikaon ($K^-$) condensation and its implications for the equation of state (EoS) and cooling of neutron stars (NSs) within density-dependent relativistic mean-field parametrisations DD2 and MPE. Treating the antikaon - nucleon optical potential ($U_K$) as a free parameter in the range $[-180,-60]$ MeV, we constrain it using Bayesian inference with NICER mass-radius observations of PSR J0030+0451 and PSR J0740+6620. The inferred posterior distributions favour strongly attractive in-medium $K^-$ interactions, while their broad widths indicate only weak constraints on $U_K$ by astrophysical observations. More attractive values of $U_K$ lead to an earlier onset of $K^-$ condensation, enhanced softening of the EoS, and lower Direct Urca (DU) threshold densities. The condensation threshold is systematically lower in DD2 than in MPE, while finite entropy further promotes the onset of rapid cooling. The $K^-$-induced enhancement of the proton fraction ($y_p$) substantially affects a larger volume of the stellar core, i.e. capable of sustaining rapid DU cooling. We further show that rapid rotation suppresses DU cooling by reducing the central density and $y_p$, thereby shrinking the DU-active core. This suppression is more pronounced for MPE than for DD2. Our results demonstrate that $K^-$ condensation, finite entropy, and rotation jointly exert a strong influence on the conditions for rapid neutrino cooling in NSs.

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arXiv2026

NucleiML: A machine learning framework of ground-state properties of finite nuclei for accelerated Bayesian exploration

The global behavior of the nuclear equation of state (EoS) is commonly studied using data from finite nuclei (FN), heavy-ion collisions, and astrophysical observations of neutron stars (NS). The constraints derived from FN such as binding energies and charge radii play the most crucial role in shaping the EoS up to saturation density. The computational cost associated with explicitly incorporating these constraints presents a significant challenge especially when the aim is to explore the model uncertainties rather than optimizing a single model. We address this by introducing NucleiML (NML), a machine learning framework trained on ground-state properties of a few finite nuclei generated by a relativistic mean-field model. NML allows us to integrate FN and NS properties within a Bayesian inference framework in an efficient manner. The results demonstrate reasonable accuracy and a speedup of $\sim 10^4$ times for calculation of FN properties for a single parameter set, yielding roughly $\sim 10^3 \times$ speed up in the Bayesian framework. The present study makes the case for extending the work to a larger set of nuclei, potentially enabling future studies of NS properties to incorporate the whole nuclear chart.

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arXiv2026

Influence of Finite-Nuclei Constraints on High-Density Transitions and Neutron Star Properties

We construct posterior distributions of the equation of state (EoS) for matter beyond the inner crust of neutron stars by incorporating finite nuclei (FN) constraints within relativistic mean field models. These constraints are implemented in three complementary ways: (i) through theoretical bounds on the EoS, (ii) implicitly via nuclear matter parameters, and (iii) explicitly by enforcing consistency with experimental binding energies and charge radii of selected nuclei. The resulting low-density nucleonic EoSs are subsequently matched to a model-agnostic speed-of-sound parametrization, constrained by astrophysical observations, including NICER mass-radius measurements, tidal deformability limits from GW170817, and lower bounds on the maximum neutron-star mass inferred from radio pulsar observations. We find that the admissible range of the transition density is strongly sensitive to the choice of the low-density EoS. In particular, the inclusion of explicit FN constraints significantly reduces the allowed parameter space of the nucleonic EoS at low densities, narrowing the transition-density range by nearly a factor of two. Consequently, neutron-star properties inferred from EoSs with explicit FN constraints differ substantially, with especially pronounced effects for low-mass neutron stars and their correlations with nuclear matter parameters. A quantitative comparison, using metrics based on Mahalanobis distance, shows consistency of the explicit constraints with PSRs J0740+6620, J0030+0451, and J0437-4715, but suggest a possible tension with PSR J0614-3329. These findings underscore the critical importance of a consistent treatment of finite-nuclei properties for reliably inferring the behavior of high-density matter and the presence of possible phase transitions from astrophysical observations.

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arXiv2025

Fermionic versus Bosonic Dark Matter in Neutron Stars: A Bayesian Study with Multi-Density Constraints

We perform a comparative Bayesian analysis of fermionic and bosonic dark matter admixed neutron stars (DMANS) by incorporating a comprehensive set of theoretical, experimental, and astrophysical constraints. The hadronic matter equation of state (EoS) is modeled using a relativistic mean-field approach, constrained by chiral effective field theory ($χ$EFT) calculations at low densities, finite nuclei and heavy-ion collision data at intermediate densities, and neutron star (NS) observations at high densities. For the dark sector, we consider fermionic dark matter (FDM) interacting via a dark vector meson, and two bosonic dark matter models (BDM1 and BDM2) characterized by self-interacting scalar fields. Bayesian inference is employed to constrain the model parameters, including the dark matter mass, coupling strength, and dark matter fraction within NSs. Our analysis finds that all models yield consistent nuclear matter parameters, allowing a small dark matter fraction under 10%. The presence of dark matter slightly softens the EoS, leading to a modest reduction in NS mass, radius, and tidal deformability, though all models remain compatible with NICER and GW170817 observations. The log-evidence and likelihood analyses reveal no statistical preference among the FDM and BDM models, indicating that current astrophysical data cannot decisively distinguish between fermionic and bosonic dark matter scenarios. This study provides a unified statistical framework to constrain dark matter properties using NS observables.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

Systematic study of scalar, vector, and mixed density dependencies in relativistic mean-field descriptions of hyperonic matter in neutron stars

We investigate the equation of state (EOS) of hyperonic neutron star (NS) matter within a density-dependent relativistic mean-field (DDRMF) framework. The effects of scalar, vector, and mixed density dependencies in meson-baryon couplings are systematically examined along with alternative forms of the $ρ$-meson coupling. Several meson-nucleon parameter sets are explored here for the first time for neutron stars and compared with the standard DD2 EOS. Most new parameterizations produce stiffer EOSs, leading to neutron stars with larger radii and higher tidal deformabilities. However, the inclusion of $Λ$ hyperons softens these EOSs, and the resulting maximum masses still satisfy the two solar mass limits and agree with NICER measurements. These results highlight the importance of exploring alternative density dependencies in constraining dense matter through multi-messenger observations.

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arXiv2025

Signatures of $K^-$ condensation on neutron star structure and $f-$mode frequencies

Antikaon ($K^-$) condensation within neutron star matter (NS) depends on the antikaon-nucleon interaction potential ($U_K$). Appearance of $K^-$ generally softens the equation of state (EOS). The impact of this softening on the structure of the NS can be leveraged to find a telltale sign of the phase transition from nucleonic matter to $K^-$ condensation. To investigate the impact of $K^-$ condensation on NS properties using a Bayesian inference framework, we choose two sets of RMF model parameters to obtain a stiff (DD2) and relatively soft (FSU) nucleonic EOS, and explore a wide range of optical potential depths. Multimessenger observations from NICER and LIGO/Virgo constrain the optical potential values to $U_K = -104.72^{+13.82}_{-12.48}$ MeV and $U_K = -66.46^{+2.47}_{-3.42}$ MeV for the stiff and soft cases, respectively. Deeper $K^-$ potentials trigger condensation at a lower density, softening the EOS and lowering the corresponding maximum masses. While slopes of mass-radius and tidal deformability curves overlap between nucleonic and exotic EOSs, their curvature and $f-$mode oscillation properties (frequency and damping time) reveal features attributable to EOS softening. However, distinguishing the specific exotic degrees of freedom responsible for the softening remains an open challenge.

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arXiv2025

Exploring Fermionic Dark Matter Admixed Neutron Stars in the Light of Astrophysical Observations

We studied the properties of dark matter admixed-neutron stars (DMANS), considering fermionic dark matter (DM) that interacts gravitationally with hadronic matter (HM). Using relativistic mean-field equations of state (EoSs) for both components, we solved the two-fluid Tolman Oppenheimer Volkoff (TOV) equations to determine neutron star (NS) properties assuming that DM is confined within the stellar core. For hadronic matter, we employed realistic EoSs derived from low energy nuclear physics experiments, heavy-ion collision data, and NS observations. To constrain key dark matter parameters such as particle mass, mass fraction, and the coupling to mass ratio, we applied Bayesian inference, incorporating various astrophysical data including mass, radii, and NICER mass-radius distributions for PSR J0740+6620 and PSR J0030+0451. Additionally, we explored the influence of high-density HM EoSs and examined the impact of stiffer hadronic EoSs, excluding the vector meson self-interaction term. Our findings indicate that current astrophysical observations primarily constrain the dark matter fraction, while providing limited constraints on the particle mass or coupling. However, the dark matter fraction is largely insensitive to how astrophysical observations or uncertainties in the high-density EoS are incorporated. Instead, it is predominantly determined by the stiffness of the hadronic EoS at high densities, with stiffer hadronic EoSs yielding a higher dark matter mass fraction. Therefore, we conclude that the dark matter fraction plays a crucial role in shaping the properties of DMANS. Future investigations incorporating more realistic EoSs and astrophysical observations of other compact objects may provide deeper insights into dark matter.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Bayesian evaluation of hadron-quark phase transition models through neutron star observables in light of nuclear and astrophysics data

We investigate the role of hybrid and nucleonic equations of state (EOSs) within neutron star (NS) interiors using Bayesian inference to evaluate their alignment with recent observational data from NICER and LIGO-Virgo (LV) collaborations. We find that smooth hybrid EOSs are slightly favoured in explaining NS mass-radius relations, particularly for pulsars such as PSR J0030+0451 and PSR J0740+6620. However, this preference is not definitive, as gravitational wave (GW) data does not significantly differentiate between our hybrid and nucleonic models. Our analysis also reveals tensions between older NICER data and recent measurements for PSR J0437-4715, highlighting the need for more flexible EOS models. Through two sampling approaches - one fixing the hadronic EOS set and the other without fixing the same, we demonstrate that the hybrid EOS model can incorporate stiffer EOSs, resulting in a better agreement with NICER data but leading to higher tidal deformability, which is less consistent with GW observations. In some recent publications a parameter $d_c$, related to the trace anomaly and its derivative, is used to indicate the presence of deconfined quark matter. We find that our hadronic model, which does not include phase transition to deconfined matter, under the influence of imposed constraints, is able to predict values below 0.2 for $d_c$ at around five times saturation density. The hybrid model goes below this threshold at lower densities under the same conditions.

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arXiv2024

Unraveling the global behavior of equation of state by explicit finite nuclei constraints

We obtain posterior distribution of equations of state (EOSs) across a broad range of density by imposing explicitly the constraints from precisely measured fundamental properties of finite nuclei, in combination with the experimental data from heavy-ion collisions and the astrophysical observations of radius, tidal deformability and minimum-maximum mass of neutron stars. The acquired EOSs exhibit a distinct global behavior compared to those usually obtained by imposing the finite nuclei constraints implicitly through empirical values of selected key parameters describing symmetric nuclear matter and symmetry energy in the vicinity of the saturation density. The explicit treatment of finite nuclei constraints yields softer EOSs at low densities which eventually become stiffer to meet the maximum mass criteria. The Kullback-Leibler divergence has been used to perform a quantitative comparison of the distributions of neutron star properties resulting from the EOSs obtained from implicit and explicit finite nuclei constraints.

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arXiv2024

Analysis of Neutron Star $f-$mode Oscillations in General Relativity with Spectral Representation of Nuclear Equations of State

We study quasinormal $f-$mode oscillations in neutron star(NS) interiors within the linearized General Relativistic formalism. We utilize approximately 9000 nuclear Equations of State (EOS) using spectral representation techniques, incorporating constraints on nuclear saturation properties, chiral Effective Field Theory ($χ$EFT) for pure neutron matter, and perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (pQCD) for densities pertinent to NS cores. The median values of f-mode frequency, $ν_f$ (damping time, $τ_f$) for NS with masses ranging from 1.4 - 2.0 $M_\odot$ lie between 1.80 - 2.20 kHz (0.13 - 0.22 s) for our entire EOS set. Our study reveals a weak correlation between $f-$mode frequencies and individual nuclear saturation properties, prompting the necessity for more intricate methodologies to unveil multi-parameter relationships. We observe a robust linear relationship between the radii and $f-$mode frequencies for different NS masses. Leveraging this correlation alongside NICER observations of PSR J0740+6620 and PSR J0030+0451, we establish constraints that exhibit partial and minimal overlap for observational data from Riley et al. and Miller et al. respectively with our nucleonic EOS dataset. Moreover, NICER data aligns closely with radius and frequency values for a few hadron-quark hybrid EOS models. This indicates the need to consider additional exotic particles such as deconfined quarks at suprasaturation densities. We conclude that future observations of the radius or $f-$mode frequency for more than one NS mass, particularly at the extremes of viable NS mass scale, would either rule out nucleon-only EOS or provide definitive evidence in its favour.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Exploring the Impact of Extra Dimensions on Neutron Star Structure and Equation of State

In this work, we explore the impact of higher dimensional spacetime on the stellar structure and thermodynamic properties of neutron stars. Utilizing the density-dependent relativistic hadron field theory, we introduce modifications to incorporate the influence of higher dimensionality, a novel approach not explored in existing literature to our best knowledge. Our methodology involves solving the essential stellar structure equations in D-dimensional spacetime ($D \geq 4$), starting with the modification of the Einstein-Hilbert action, derivation of the Einstein field equation in D dimensions, and application of the resulting exterior Schwarzschild spacetime metric for D-dimension. Our findings reveal that with incremental dimensions, the central density $ρ_{c} G_D$ and central pressure $p_c G_D$ gradually increase, leading to progressively stiffer neutron matter. Incremental dimensionality also results in a gradual increase in the maximum mass attained, limited to our study between $D=4$ and $D=6$, as no maximum mass value is obtained for $D>6$. We consistently observe the criteria $dM/dρ_c>0$ fulfilled up to the maximum mass point, supported by stability analysis against infinitesimal radial pulsations. The validity of our solution is confirmed through causality conditions, ensuring that the matter sound speed remains within the speed of light for all cases. Additionally, our examination indicates that the total mass-to-radius ratio for all discussed D-dimensional cases comfortably resides within the modified Buchdahl limit, which exhibits the physical validity of achieved results.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Estimation of the slope of nuclear symmetry energy via charge radii of mirror nuclei

Charge radii of mirror nuclei are calculated by implementing pairing effects with the Hartree-Fock Bogoliubov approximation. Correlations between the difference of charge radii ($ΔR_{ch}$) and slope of nuclear symmetry energy (L) are examined for different mirror nuclei pairs of varying masses using 40 different Skyrme energy density functionals. $ΔR_{ch}-L $ correlations are found to be robust for the binding constraints imposed on density functionals. We observe that $ΔR_{ch}$ and $L$ show better correlations in relatively heavier pairs than those obtained in the lighter pairs. Our calculations impose a constraint on the slope of nuclear symmetry energy as -20 MeV $\leq L \leq$ 55 MeV with 68\% confidence band using available measurements on charge radii. This is a moderately soft symmetry energy, in contrast to stiff and soft symmetry energy indicated by PREX-II and CREX measurements of neutron skin thickness in $^{208}Pb$ and $^{48}Ca$, respectively. Our result is also in agreement with celestial constraints obtained from observational data for neutron stars.

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arXiv2023

Unveiling a universal relationship between the f(R) parameter and neutron star properties

In recent years, modified gravity theories have gained significant attention as potential replacements for the general theory of relativity. Neutron stars, which are dense compact objects, provide ideal astrophysical laboratories for testing these theories. However, understanding the properties of neutron stars within the framework of modified gravity theories requires careful consideration of the presently known uncertainty of equations of state (EoS) that describe the behavior of matter at extreme densities. In this study, we investigate three realistic EoS generated using a relativistic mean field framework, which covers the currently known uncertainties in the stiffness of neutron star matter. We then employ a Bayesian approach to statistically analyze the posterior distribution of the free parameter $α$ of the $f(R)$ gravity model, specifically $f(R) = R + αR^2$. By using this approach, we are able to account for our limited understanding of the interiors of neutron stars as well as the uncertainties associated with the modified gravity theory. We impose observational constraints on our analysis, including the maximum mass, and the radius of a neutron star with a mass of $1.4 M_{\odot}$ and $2.08 M_{\odot}$, which are obtained from X-ray NICER observations. By considering these constraints, we are able to robustly investigate the relationship between the $f(R)$ gravity model parameter $α$ and the maximum mass of neutron stars. Our results reveal a universality relationship between the $f(R)$ gravity model parameter $α$ and the maximum mass of neutron stars. This relationship provides insights into the behavior of neutron stars in modified gravity theories and helps us understand the degeneracies arising from our current limited knowledge of the interiors of neutron stars and the free parameter $α$ of the modified gravity theory.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

The Indian Pulsar Timing Array: First data release

We present the pulse arrival times and high-precision dispersion measure estimates for 14 millisecond pulsars observed simultaneously in the 300-500 MHz and 1260-1460 MHz frequency bands using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). The data spans over a baseline of 3.5 years (2018-2021), and is the first official data release made available by the Indian Pulsar Timing Array collaboration. This data release presents a unique opportunity for investigating the interstellar medium effects at low radio frequencies and their impact on the timing precision of pulsar timing array experiments. In addition to the dispersion measure time series and pulse arrival times obtained using both narrowband and wideband timing techniques, we also present the dispersion measure structure function analysis for selected pulsars. Our ongoing investigations regarding the frequency dependence of dispersion measures have been discussed. Based on the preliminary analysis for five millisecond pulsars, we do not find any conclusive evidence of chromaticity in dispersion measures. Data from regular simultaneous two-frequency observations are presented for the first time in this work. This distinctive feature leads us to the highest precision dispersion measure estimates obtained so far for a subset of our sample. Simultaneous multi-band uGMRT observations in Band 3 and Band 5 are crucial for high-precision dispersion measure estimation and for the prospect of expanding the overall frequency coverage upon the combination of data from the various Pulsar Timing Array consortia in the near future. Parts of the data presented in this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming third data release of the International Pulsar Timing Array.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Nanohertz Gravitational Wave Astronomy during the SKA Era: An InPTA perspective

Decades long monitoring of millisecond pulsars, which exhibit highly stable rotational periods, in pulsar timing array experiments is on the threshold of discovering nanohertz stochastic gravitational wave background. This paper describes the Indian Pulsar timing array (InPTA) experiment, which employs the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) for timing an ensemble of millisecond pulsars for this purpose. We highlight InPTA's observation strategies and analysis methods, which are relevant for a future PTA experiment with the more sensitive Square Kilometer Array (SKA) telescope. We show that the unique multi-sub-array multi-band wide-bandwidth frequency coverage of the InPTA provides Dispersion Measure estimates with unprecedented precision for PTA pulsars, e.g., ~ 2 x 10{-5} pc-cm{-3} for PSR J1909-3744. Configuring the SKA-low and SKA-mid as two and four sub-arrays respectively, it is shown that comparable precision is achievable, using observation strategies similar to those pursued by the InPTA, for a larger sample of 62 pulsars requiring about 26 and 7 hours per epoch for the SKA-mid and the SKA-low telescopes respectively. We also review the ongoing efforts to develop PTA-relevant general relativistic constructs that will be required to search for nanohertz gravitational waves from isolated super-massive black hole binary systems like blazar OJ 287. These efforts should be relevant to pursue persistent multi-messenger gravitational wave astronomy during the forthcoming era of the SKA telescope, the Thirty Meter Telescope, and the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Pulsar timing irregularities and the Neutron Star interior in the era of SKA: An Indian Outlook

There are two types of timing irregularities seen in pulsars: glitches and timing noise. Both of these phenomena can help us probe the interior of such exotic objects. This article presents a brief overview of the observational and theoretical aspects of pulsar timing irregularities and the main results from the investigations of these phenomena in India. The relevance of such Indian programs for monitoring of young pulsars with the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) is presented, highlighting possible contributions of the Indian neutron star community to the upcoming SKA endeavour.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Quasi-stationary sequences of hyper massive neutron stars with exotic equations of state

In this work, we study the effect of differential rotation, finite temperature and strangeness on the quasi stationary sequences of hyper massive neutron stars (HMNS). We generate constant rest mass sequences of differentially rotating and uniformly rotating stars. The nucleonic matter relevant to the star interior is described within the framework of the relativistic mean field model with the DD2 parameter set. We also consider the strange $Λ$ hyperons using the BHB$Λϕ$ equation of state (EoS). Additionally, we probe the behaviour of neutron stars (NS) with these compositions at different temperatures. We report that the addition of hyperons to the EoS produces a significant boost to the spin-up phenomenon. Moreover, increasing the temperature can make the spin-up more robust. We also study the impact of strangeness and thermal effects on the T/W instability. Finally, we analyse equilibrium sequences of a NS following a stable transition from differential rotation to uniform rotation. The decrease in frequency relative to angular momentum loss during this transition is significantly smaller for EoS containing hyperons, compared to nucleonic EoS.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2022

Low-frequency wideband timing of InPTA pulsars observed with the uGMRT

High-precision measurements of the pulsar dispersion measure (DM) are possible using telescopes with low-frequency wideband receivers. We present an initial study of the application of the wideband timing technique, which can simultaneously measure the pulsar times of arrival (ToAs) and DMs, for a set of five pulsars observed with the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) as part of the Indian Pulsar Timing Array (InPTA) campaign. We have used the observations with the 300-500 MHz band of the uGMRT for this purpose. We obtain high precision in DM measurements with precisions of the order 10^{-6}cm^{-3}pc. The ToAs obtained have sub-μs precision and the root-mean-square of the post-fit ToA residuals are in the sub-μs range. We find that the uncertainties in the DMs and ToAs obtained with this wideband technique, applied to low-frequency data, are consistent with the results obtained with traditional pulsar timing techniques and comparable to high-frequency results from other PTAs. This work opens up an interesting possibility of using low-frequency wideband observations for precision pulsar timing and gravitational wave detection with similar precision as high-frequency observations used conventionally.

astro-ph.IM↗