Neutron star versus heavy-ion data: is the nuclear equation of state hard or soft?

TL;DR

This paper compares astrophysical neutron star data and heavy-ion collision results to evaluate whether the nuclear equation of state is hard or soft, emphasizing the role of hyperons in dense matter.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of low-mass pulsar data as a bridge between astrophysics and heavy-ion experiments for understanding dense nuclear matter.

Findings

Neutron star observations constrain the nuclear equation of state.

Heavy-ion collision data provide complementary insights.

Hyperons may significantly influence the equation of state.

Abstract

Recent astrophysical observations of neutron stars and heavy-ion data are confronted with our present understanding of the equation of state of dense hadronic matter. Emphasis is put on the possible role of the presence of hyperons in the interior of compact stars. We argue that data from low-mass pulsars provide an important cross-check between high-density astrophysics and heavy-ion physics.