Effects of electron band structure on neutrino pair bremsstrahlung in neutron star crusts

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Physical Review, D

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.56.7548· OSTI ID:554429

Pethick, C J ^[1]; Thorsson, V ^[1]

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1. NORDITA, Blegdamsvej 17, DK-2100 Copenhagen O/ (Denmark)

We calculate the rate of energy emission by bremsstrahlung of neutrino pairs by electrons moving in the crystalline lattice of ions in dense matter in the crust of a neutron star. Since the periodic potential in the solid gives rise to electronic band gaps which can be as large as about 1 MeV, it is necessary in estimating the bremsstrahlung rate at low temperatures to take into account band structure in detail. We find that, in the densest parts of the inner crust of a neutron star, neutrino emission at temperatures of about 2{times}10{sup 9}K or less is much suppressed compared with earlier estimates that treated the electron-lattice interaction perturbatively, and conclude that neutrino pair bremsstrahlung by electrons in the crusts of neutron stars is much less important for neutron star thermal evolution than was previously thought. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

• DOE Contract Number: FG06-88ER40427
• OSTI ID: 554429
• Journal Information: Physical Review, D, Journal Name: Physical Review, D Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 56; ISSN 0556-2821; ISSN PRVDAQ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
BAND THEORY
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
ELECTRONS
ENERGY GAP
IONS
NEUTRINOS
NEUTRON STARS
PAIR PRODUCTION
STELLAR RADIATION