Limit on Continuous Neutrino Emission from Neutron Stars

TL;DR

This paper uses pulsar timing data to set an upper limit on continuous neutrino emission from neutron stars, constraining exotic nuclear models and energy loss channels.

Contribution

It introduces a method to bound neutrino emission rates from neutron stars using binary pulsar timing data, providing new constraints on nuclear physics models.

Findings

Upper limit on mass loss rate: |Ṁ| < 1.1 × 10^{-12} yr^{-1} M

Constraints on exotic nuclear equations of state

Applicable to other energy loss channels like axion emission

Abstract

The timing data of the binary pulsar PSR1913+16, are used to establish an upper limit on the rate of continuous neutrino emission from neutron stars. Neutrino emission from each of the neutron stars of the binary system, increases the star binding energy and thus translates to a decrease in their masses. This in turn implies an increase with time of the binary period. Using the pulsar data we obtain an upper limit on the allowed rate of mass reduction : $| \dot{M}| <1.1 \times 10^{-12} yr^{-1} M $, where $M$ is the total mass of the binary. This constrains exotic nuclear equations of state that predict continuous neutrino emissions. The limit applies also to other channels of energy loss, e.g. axion emission. Continued timing measurements of additional binary pulsars, should yield a stronger limit in the future.