Neutron Star Structure and the Neutron Radius of {sup 208}Pb

Journal Article · Mon Jun 18 00:00:00 EDT 2001 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.5647· OSTI ID:40204661

Horowitz, C J; Piekarewicz, J

We study relationships between the neutron-rich skin of a heavy nucleus and the properties of neutron-star crusts. Relativistic effective field theories with a thicker neutron skin in {sup 208}Pb have a larger electron fraction and a lower liquid-to-solid transition density for neutron-rich matter. These properties are determined by the density dependence of the symmetry energy which we vary by adding nonlinear couplings between isoscalar and isovector mesons. An accurate measurement of the neutron radius in {sup 208}Pb {emdash}via parity violating electron scattering{emdash}may have important implications for the structure of the crust of neutron stars.

• Sponsoring Organization: (US)
• OSTI ID: 40204661
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 86, Issue 25; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.5647; Othernumber: PRLTAO000086000025005647000001; 043124PRL; PBD: 18 Jun 2001; ISSN 0031-9007
• Publisher: The American Physical Society
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ELECTRONS
FIELD THEORIES
ISOVECTORS
MESONS
NEUTRON STARS
NEUTRONS
PARITY
SYMMETRY