Cold and Dense Matter in a Magnetic Field

TL;DR

This paper reviews the current understanding of quark matter properties at ultra-high densities under strong magnetic fields, highlighting challenges and implications for magnetar physics.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of intense magnetic fields on dense quark matter, emphasizing recent findings and unresolved issues.

Findings

Magnetic fields significantly alter quark matter properties.

Current models face challenges in accurately describing ultra-high density conditions.

Implications for understanding magnetar phenomena are discussed.

Abstract

Our Universe is full of regions where extreme physical conditions are realized. Among the most intriguing cases are the so-called magnetars: neutron stars with very dense cores and super-strong magnetic fields. In this paper I review the current understanding of the physical properties of quark matter at ultra-high density in the presence of very large magnetic fields. I will discuss the main results on this topic, the main challenges that still remain, and how they could be related to the physics of magnetars.