The Strange Prospects for Astrophysics

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential role of strange quark matter formation in neutron stars and supernovae, highlighting its impact on supernova explosions and neutrino signals, with implications for understanding QCD phase transitions at high densities.

Contribution

It discusses the possibility that strange quark matter formation triggers supernova explosions and provides observable neutrino signatures, emphasizing the astrophysical consequences of QCD phase transitions.

Findings

Strange quark matter formation can induce a second shock in supernovae.

A second neutrino peak indicates strange quark matter formation.

Implications for detecting QCD phase transitions in astrophysical events.

Abstract

The implications of the formation of strange quark matter in neutron stars and in core-collapse supernovae is discussed with special emphasis on the possibility of having a strong first order QCD phase transition at high baryon densities. If strange quark matter is formed in core-collapse supernovae shortly after the bounce, it causes the launch of a second outgoing shock which is energetic enough to lead to a explosion. A signal for the formation of strange quark matter can be read off from the neutrino spectrum, as a second peak in antineutrinos is released when the second shock runs over the neutrinosphere.