Half-Skyrmions, Tensor Forces and Symmetry Energy in Cold Dense Matter

TL;DR

This paper explores how topological structures in dense baryonic matter influence hadron properties, tensor forces, and symmetry energy, with implications for neutron star structure and dense matter phases.

Contribution

It introduces a novel topological approach to understanding the scaling of hadrons and the resulting effects on nuclear forces and symmetry energy at high density.

Findings

Topological structures affect tensor forces and symmetry energy.

The model predicts a supersoft symmetry energy at high density.

Implications for neutron star structure and dense matter phases.

Abstract

In a previous article, the 4D half-skyrmion (or 5D dyonic salt) structure of dense baryonic matter described in crystalline configuration in the large $N_c$ limit was shown to impact nontrivially on how anti-kaons behave in compressed nuclear matter with a possible implication on an "ice-9" phenomenon of deeply bound kaonic matter and condensed kaons in compact stars. We extend the analysis to make a further prediction on the scaling properties of hadrons that have a surprising effect on the nuclear tensor forces, the symmetry energy and hence on the phase structure at high density. We treat this problem relying on certain topological structure of chiral solitons. Combined with what can be deduced from hidden local symmetry for hadrons in dense medium and the "soft" dilatonic degree of freedom associated with the trace anomaly of QCD, we uncover a novel structure of chiral symmetry in the "supersoft" symmetry energy that can influence the structure of neutron stars.