On Modified Dispersion Relations and the Chandrasekhar Mass Limit

TL;DR

This paper investigates how modified dispersion relations from effective field theory can alter the Chandrasekhar mass limit, affecting the pressure of degenerate electron gases at high densities, with implications for astrophysical objects.

Contribution

It demonstrates the impact of effective field theory-based modifications on the Chandrasekhar mass limit and discusses their astrophysical relevance and generalizations beyond effective field theory.

Findings

Modified dispersion relations can change the Chandrasekhar mass limit.

Alterations depend on the sign of the modifications.

Changes are unlikely to affect white dwarf or neutron star astrophysics.

Abstract

Modified dispersion relations from effective field theory are shown to alter the Chandrasekhar mass limit. At exceptionally high densities, the modifications affect the pressure of a degenerate electron gas and can increase or decrease the mass limit, depending on the sign of the modifications. These changes to the mass limit are unlikely to be relevant for the astrophysics of white dwarf or neutron stars due to well-known dynamical instabilities that occur at lower densities. Generalizations to frameworks other than effective field theory are discussed.