arXiv subjects

Xiao-Ping Zheng

Publications and source records attributed to Xiao-Ping Zheng.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Two-fluid $f$-mode oscillations of dark-matter-admixed neutron stars

We study quadrupolar $f$-mode oscillations of dark-matter-admixed neutron stars (DANSs) in full general relativity (GR). The ordinary component is described by microscopic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock matter matched to the Shen2020 crust, while the dark matter (DM) component is treated as a cold self-interacting fermion fluid coupled to ordinary matter only by gravity. For fixed-DM-fraction sequences we solve the polar two-fluid perturbation equations with an outgoing gravitational-wave (GW) boundary condition, obtaining complex eigenfrequencies rather than only real mode frequencies. The spectrum contains two principal $f$-like sequences. Their local character can be ordinary-matter-led, DM-led, or mixed, and is diagnosed using the component kinetic energies, the displacement overlap, and the cancellation of the matter quadrupole. A main result is that, for intermediate DM fractions, one of the two-fluid branches can become weakly radiating, with damping times enhanced by several orders of magnitude. The same calculation gives the outgoing Zerilli amplitude and the GW damping time, which we use to estimate the GW energy required to reach a prescribed detector threshold. Thus the analysis extends previous two-fluid Cowling studies by retaining metric perturbations and the radiative boundary condition.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2026

Superfluid Angular Momentum Reservoir Effect in Pulsar Glitches and Crab Pulsar Glitch Time Prediction

Pulsar glitches are usually regarded as stochastic, independent events triggered by sudden angular momentum transfer from the neutron star's superfluid interior to its crust. However, dense glitching episodes in the Crab pulsar suggest that some temporally proximate small glitches may instead form parts of broader dynamical episodes. Here we reanalyse more than five decades of Crab timing data by grouping nearby glitches into glitch clusters. In this clustered sequence, adjacent waiting times are consistent with preferred temporal organization around $\sim 3.5$ yr, and every-other cluster intervals indicate a longer-timescale component near $\sim 7$ yr. Cluster size correlates more strongly with preceding than with subsequent waiting times, with the clearest signal arising from the longer pre-history of the system. These results suggest that clustering primarily regularizes the temporal structure of the Crab glitch record and support a picture in which Crab glitches are better interpreted as temporally coupled, history-dependent collective events rather than as fully independent stochastic occurrences.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Exploring Superfluid Angular Momentum Reservoir Effect on Pulsar Glitches and Forecasting Next Glitches of the Crab Pulsar

Pulsar glitches are generally viewed as stochastic events driven by sudden angular momentum transfer from the neutron star's superfluid interior to its crust. Except two peculiar pulsars with quasi-periodic glitches, this stochastic view has prevailed. Here, by clustering temporally proximate small glitches of the Crab pulsar, we uncover clear evidence of an underlying quasi-periodic modulation, challenging the paradigm of purely random behavior. Furthermore, our correlation analyses reveal a strong positive relationship between glitch cluster size and waiting time since the preceding clusters. These findings demonstrate the effect of angular momentum reservoir operating over long-term scales and enable the predictions of next glitching window. Remarkably, two minor glitches detected in July and August 2025, which align with our initial prediction made in June, should be confirmed as the onset of this predicted activity. Inspired by the initial success, we forecast the occurrence of a major glitch from now until August 2026, with possible glitch size up to a relative change in rotational frequency of $697.2 \times 10^{-9}$. Physically, the observed long-term quasi-periodicity and cluster size-waiting time correlations imply that each glitch event releases only a fraction of the stored superfluid angular momentum. This partial-release mechanism provides a unified framework for both stochastic and quasi-periodic glitch behaviors across different pulsars, underscoring the universality of the superfluid angular momentum reservoir effect. As the most intensively monitored object, the Crab pulsar serves as a natural laboratory for studying angular momentum inside neutron stars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Quasiradial oscillations of rotating hybrid neutron stars

We investigate fundamental quasiradial oscillations in slow-rotation approximation of pure and hybrid neutron stars, employing equations of state of nuclear matter from Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory or the relativistic mean field model, and of quark matter from the Dyson-Schwinger quark model, performing a Gibbs construction for the mixed phase in hybrid stars. Characteristic differences between neutron-star and hybrid-star fundamental quasiradial oscillation frequencies during spin-down are pointed out.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

Eclipsed X-ray Bursts from Magnetar SGR J1935+2154 and the Fireball Measurements

In theory, burst activity of the magnetar can lead to the formation of fireballs trapped by the magnetic field and corotating with the star. However, the smoking-gun observational evidence of the fireball is elusive. We envisage that the fireball emission should occasionally be eclipsed by the magnetar, especially when the burst duration is comparable to the magnetar's spin period. In this work, we first discover a peculiar type of burst whose light curve has a plateau-like feature among the long bursts of the magnetar SGR J1935+2154 detected by GECAM and Fermi/GBM. Then, based on these bursts, we identified four burst candidates with eclipse-like characteristics. By fitting their light curves with the eclipse fireball model, the viewing angle of the magnetar relative to its spin axis is estimated to be $17^\circ \pm 10^\circ$, and the distances from the fireballs to the magnetar are found to be more than 5 times the magnetar's radius, indicating that the fireballs are suspended in the magnetosphere rather than adhering to the magnetar surface. Furthermore, we find that this configuration is well consistent with the implication of the cyclotron resonance scattering feature we found in their spectra. Our results suggest that some intermediate X-ray bursts may originate from magnetic reconnection within the magnetosphere rather than the starquake.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Secular Evolution of PSR J2021+4026: Long-Term γ-Ray Flux and Spin-Down Variability Beyond State Transitions

PSR J2021+4026 is a remarkable $γ$-ray pulsar exhibiting repeated transitions between high $γ$-ray flux (HGF) and low $γ$-ray flux (LGF) states. With 17-yr Fermi-LAT monitoring, we reveal persistent secular evolution and enhanced spin-down rate variability within individual emission states -- beneath the quasi-periodic state transitions. After removing discrete jumps, the jump-corrected flux $δF_γ$ shows a three-phase evolution: rise ($+2.02^{+0.17}_{-0.15}\%~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$), decline ($-3.72^{+0.34}_{-0.47}\%~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$), and rapid rise ($+14.9^{+6.4}_{-4.4}\%~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$), with all rates quoted relative to the long-term mean flux $\langle F_γ\rangle=7.8\times 10^{-10}\,\mathrm{erg}\,\mathrm{cm}^{-2}\,\mathrm{s}^{-1}$. Moreover, the flux of the LGF state is gradually approaching the stable HGF level at a rate of $+0.72 \pm 0.11\%~\mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. These results demonstrate that secular flux evolution in PSR J2021+4026 operates largely independently of discrete state transitions, yet jointly with them drives the system toward a stable high-flux equilibrium.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

$f$-mode oscillations of protoneutron stars

We investigate nonradial $f$-mode oscillations of protoneutron stars in full general relativity, employing equations of state described by the Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory or the relativistic mean field model, while assuming isentropy and fixed lepton fractions for the internal structure. The validity of various universal relations for cold neutron stars involving $f$-mode characteristics and macroscopic properties of the star is confirmed for those isentropic protoneutron stars. Prospects of observations are also discussed. According to simulation results, we then model details of the thermal and trapping profiles in a PNS with the canonical mass. The corresponding $f$-mode frequencies and gravitational-wave strain amplitudes are presented. The validity of the universal relations during the evolution to the formation of a cold neutron star is confirmed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Could the stochastic gravitational wave background from newborn magnetars be detected by the advanced LIGO and Einstein Telescope?

Newborn magnetars are important gravitational wave sources due to their ultra-strong magnetic fields and fast spins, and the entire population in the Universe may significantly contribute to the stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB). In this work, we investigate the SGWB from newborn magnetars and assess its detectability by the advanced LIGO (aLIGO) and Einstein Telescope (ET) based on three typical formation mechanisms of magnetars, i.e., the $α-Ω$ dynamo, convective dynamo, and magnetic flux conservation. For the two dynamo scenarios, when calculating the SGWB, we creatively incorporate the anti-correlations between the magnetic fields and initial spin periods $P_{\rm i}$ with the initial dipole-field distribution of newborn magnetars. For the flux-conservation scenario, a bimodal lognormal form is adopted to describe the distribution of initial dipole fields, and all magnetars are assumed to have the same $P_{\rm i}$. Our results show that the SGWB from newborn magnetars may be undetectable by the aLIGO and ET if the magnetars are formed due to these mechanisms since the signal-to-noise ratio of the SGWB with respect to the ET for an observation time of one year is only 0.37 for the $α-Ω$ dynamo, $3\times10^{-4}$ for the convective dynamo, and at most 0.21 for the flux conservation.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Neutron star phase transition as the origin for the fast radio bursts and soft gamma-ray repeaters of SGR J1935+2154

Magnetars are believed as neutron stars (NSs) with strong magnetic fields. X-ray flares and fast radio bursts (FRBs) have been observed from the magnetar (soft gamma-ray repeater, SGR J1935+2154). We propose that the phase transition of the NS can power the FRBs and SGRs.Based on the equation of state provided by the MIT bag model and the mean field approximation, we solve the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations to get the NS structure. With spin-down of the NS, the hadronic shell gradually transfers to the quark shell.The gravitational potential energy released by one time of the phase transition can be achieved. The released energy, time interval between two successive phase transitions, and glitch are all consistent with the observations of the FRBs and the X-ray flares from SGR J1935+2154. We conclude that the phase transition of an NS is a plausible mechanism to power the SGRs as well as the repeating FRBs.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

The persistent shift in spin-down rate following the largest Crab pulsar glitch rules out external torque variations due to starquakes

It was previously believed that, the long-term persistent increase in the spin-down rate of the Crab pulsar following a glitch is direct evidence of a starquake-induced glitch or at least related to a starquake. Using radio data covering 1710 days following the 2017 glitch, we obtain an extreme persistent increase of the spin-down rate, which allows to test two prevailing models related to starquake through an interrelation analysis between glitch size (the amplitude of the frequency step at a glitch) and persistent increase in the spin-down rate of the star. Our results do not support the hypothesis that glitches induce the external torque variation of the Crab pulsar, which may indicate no occurrence of starquake during the Crab pulsar glitch. This can explain why no changes in the radio and X-ray flux, pulse profile and spectrum of the Crab pulsar have been observed. We also suggest an internal mechanism due to superfluidity as an explanation for the long-term persistent shift in spin-down rate of the Crab pulsar following the relatively large glitches.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Revealing the internal magnetic field configuration of magnetars via their associated periodic signals

The magnetic deformation of magnetars is affected by their internal magnetic fields, which are generally difficult to be measured directly through observations. In this work, the periodic pulse-phase modulations in the hard X-ray emissions of the magnetars 4U 0142+61, 1E 1547.0-5408, SGR 1900+14, and SGR 1806-20, and the periodicities of fast radio bursts (FRBs) 180916 and 121102 are interpreted as free precession of the (host) magnetars. Using these periodic signals, we investigate the magnetars' internal magnetic fields. In order to simultaneously account for the modulation periods and surface thermal emissions of the former four magnetars, and require that their internal poloidal fields smoothly connect with the surface dipole fields, the parameter that characterizes the distribution of toroidal field in the magnetar interior should satisfy $β\gtrsim1$. Moreover, their volume-averaged strengths of poloidal and toroidal fields are respectively $\bar{B}_{\rm p}\sim10^{14}$--$10^{15}$ G and $\bar{B}_{\rm t}\sim10^{15}$ G with the strength ratios $\bar{B}_{\rm t}/\bar{B}_{\rm p}$ generally distributing within $\sim2$--$37$. We could also constrain the critical temperature for neutron superfluidity in the neutron-star core considering that the former four magnetars are probably precessing, and the most stringent constraint is $T_{\rm c,core}<6.4\times10^8$ K. Adopting a possible critical temperature $T_{\rm c,core}=5\times10^8$ K, we could obtain $\bar{B}_{\rm p}\gtrsim10^{14}$--$10^{15}$ G and $\bar{B}_{\rm t}\gtrsim10^{14}$--$10^{15}$ G for the host magnetars of FRBs 180916 and 121102, which indicates that the magnetars of our interest possibly have similar poloidal and toroidal fields.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2025

Glitches and glitching clusters in rotation-powered pulsars

The study of pulsar glitch phenomena serves as a valuable probe into the dynamic properties of matter under extreme high-density conditions, offering insights into the physics within neutron stars. Providing theoretical explanations for the diverse manifestations observed in different pulsars has proven to be a formidable challenge. By analyzing the distribution of glitch sizes and waiting times, along with the evolution of cumulative glitch sizes over time, we have uncovered a long-term clustering phenomenon for pulsar glitches. This perspective allows us to approach the distinct glitch representations in various pulsars from a unified standpoint, connecting the same periodicity of observational data to the randomness. Without relying on specific physical models, we utilized the coefficient of variation to numerically determine optimal clustering numbers and clustering periods for sample pulsars. Our analysis involving 27 pulsars has revealed a clear linear relationship between the glitch cluster period and characteristic age. Of interest, the cumulative distribution of functions of cluster sizes and interval times have the same patterns, which can be synchronously fitted by Gaussian processes. These results may indicate novel understandings of glitches and the resulting processes.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

$f$-mode oscillations of hybrid stars with pasta construction

We investigate nonradial $f$-mode oscillations of hybrid neutron stars in full general relativity, employing hybrid equations of state describing a nuclear outer core and a pasta-phase transition to a quark-matter core. The validity of various universal relations is confirmed for those stars. Prospects of observations are also discussed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2024

Investigating the neutron star physics through observations of several young pulsars in the dipole-field re-emergence scenario

The observed timing data, magnetic tilt angle $χ$, and age of young pulsars could be used to probe some important issues about neutron star (NS) physics, e.g., the NS internal magnetic field configuration, and the number of precession cycles $ξ$. \textbf{Both} quantities are critical in studying the continuous gravitational wave emission from pulsars, and the latter generally characterizes the mutual interactions between superfluid neutrons and other particles in the NS interior. The timing behavior of pulsars can be influenced by the dipole field evolution, which instead of decaying, may increase with time. An increase in the dipole field may result from the re-emergence of the initial dipole field $B_{\rm d,i}$ that was buried into the NS interior shortly after the birth of the NS. In this work, the field re-emergence scenario $ξ$ and the internal field configuration of several young pulsars, as well as their $B_{\rm d, i}$ are investigated by assuming typical accreted masses $ΔM$. Moreover, since the Crab pulsar has an exactly known age and its tilt angle change rate can be inferred from observations, we can set stringent constraints on its $ξ$, $B_{\rm d,i}$, and $ΔM$. Although for other young pulsars without exactly known ages and tilt angle change rates, these quantities cannot be accurately determined, we find that their $ξ$ are generally within $\sim10^4-10^6$, and some of them probably have magnetar-strength $B_{\rm d,i}$. Our work could be important for investigating the transient emissions associated with NSs, the origin of strong magnetic fields of NSs, pulsar population, continuous gravitational wave emission from pulsars, and accretion under extreme conditions in principle.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Constraints on the internal physics of neutron stars from the observational data of several young pulsars: the role of a power-law decaying dipole magnetic field

The observational data (e.g., the timing data and magnetic tilt angles $χ$) of young pulsars can be used to probe some critical issues about the internal physics of neutron stars (NSs), for instance, the number of precession cycles $ξ$ and the internal magnetic field configuration (IMFC) of NSs. Evolution of the dipole magnetic field $B_{\rm d}$ of NSs may play an important role in determining the final results. In this work, a power-law form is adopted to describe the decay of $B_{\rm d}$. In such a scenario, the IMFC and $ξ$ of young pulsars with an ordinary $B_{\rm d}\sim10^{12}-\-10^{13}$ G and a steady braking index $n$ are investigated. Since the tilt angle change rates $\dotχ$ of pulsars with $n<3$ can be theoretically predicted, a test on the power-law decay model can thus be made by comparing the theoretical values to that obtained from observations. However, such a comparison can only be made on the Crab pulsar currently, and the results show that the power-law decay model is inconsistent with the Crab's observations. We suggest that rather than decay, the Crab's $B_{\rm d}$ should increase with time at a rate $\sim12-14$ G/s. A definite conclusion on the validity of the power-law decay model for pulsars with ordinary $B_{\rm d}$ may be given if $\dotχ$ of other pulsars could be measured.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

On the initial spin periods of magnetars born in weak supernova explosions and their gravitational wave radiation

The initial spin periods of newborn magnetars are \textbf{strongly associated with the origin of their strong magnetic fields, both of which can affect the electromagnetic radiation and gravitational waves (GWs) emitted at their birth.} Combining the upper limit $E_{\rm SNR}\lesssim10^{51}$ erg on the explosion energies of \textbf{the supernova (SN) remnants around slowly-spinning magnetars} with a detailed investigation on the evolution of newborn magnetars, we set constraints on the initial spin periods of magnetars \textbf{born in weak SN explosions}. Depending on the conversion efficiency $η$ of the electromagnetic energy of \textbf{these} newborn magnetars into the kinetic energy of SN ejecta, the minimum initial spin periods of \textbf{these} newborn magnetars are $P_{\rm i, min}\simeq 5-6$ ms for an ideal efficiency $η=1$, $P_{\rm i, min}\simeq 3-4$ ms for a possible efficiency $η=0.4$, and $P_{\rm i, min}\simeq 1-2$ ms for a relatively low efficiency $η=0.1$. \textbf{Based on these constraints and adopting reasonable values for the physical parameters of the newborn magnetars, we find that their GW radiation at $ν_{\rm e,1}=ν$ may be undetectable by the Einstein Telescope (ET) since the maximum signal-to-noise ratio (${\rm S/N}$) is only 2.41 even the sources are located at a very close distance of 5 Mpc, where $ν$ are the spin frequencies of the magnetars. At such a distance, the GWs emitted at $ν_{\rm e,2}=2ν$ from the newborn magnetars with dipole fields $B_{\rm d}=5\times10^{14}$ and $10^{15}$ G may be detectable by the ET because ${\rm S/N}$ are 10.01 and 19.85, respectively. However, if these newborn magnetars are located at $20$ Mpc away in the Virgo supercluster, no GWs could be detected by the ET due to low ${\rm S/N}$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2024

Bayesian Insights into post-Glitch Dynamics: Model comparison and parameter constraint from decades long observation data of the Crab pulsar

The Crab Pulsar has exhibited numerous glitches accompanied by persistent shifts in its spin-down rate. The explanation of the observed persistent shifts remain a challenge. We perform a detailed Bayesian analysis to compare four data-fitting models, ranging from a simple linear model to more complex power-law and logarithmic models, using a dataset of observed glitches and persistent shifts. Our results show the large observed events are difficult to explain by the usually assumed linear model due to starquakes. A particularly notable finding is that the logarithmic model provides the best fit to the observation data but the two power-law models show a close tie to it. Detail differences of these models may be further clarified by the understanding of internal physics of neutron stars.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

Constraining the orbital inclination and companion properties of three black widow pulsars detected by FAST

Black widows (BWs) are millisecond pulsars ablating their companion stars. The out-flowing material from the companion can block the radio emission of the pulsar, resulting in eclipses. In this paper, we construct a model for the radio eclipse by calculating the geometry of the bow shock between the winds of the pulsar and companion, where the shock shapes the eclipsing medium but had not been described in detail in previous works. The model is further used to explain the variations of the flux density and dispersion measure (DM) of three BW pulsars (i.e., PSR B1957$+$20, J2055$+$3829, and J2051$-$0827) detected by the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). Consequently, we constrained the parameters of the three BW systems such as the inclination angles and true anomalies of the observer as well as the mass-loss rates and wind velocity of the companion stars. With the help of these constraints, it is expected that magnetic fields of companion stars and even masses of pulsars could further be determined as some extra observation can be achieved in the future.

astro-ph.HE↗