Magnetars From Magnetized Cores Created by a Strong Interaction Phase Transition

TL;DR

This paper proposes a model where magnetars' intense magnetic fields originate from a phase transition in their dense, magnetized cores, explaining their unique properties and aiding in identifying new magnetars.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model linking core phase transitions to magnetar magnetic fields, supported by recent observational evidence.

Findings

Core phase transition induces magnetic field alignment.

Magnetar properties explained by high-density core dynamics.

Model supports identification of new magnetars.

Abstract

We consider a model where the strong magnetic fields of magnetars arise from a high baryon density, magnetized core. In this framework magnetars are distinguished from pulsars by their higher masses and central density. For magnetars, as core densities exceed a threshold, the strong interaction induces a phase transition to a neutral pion condensate that aligns all magnetic moments. The core magnetic field is initially shielded by the ambient high conductivity plasma. With time the shielding currents dissipate transporting the core field out, first to the crust and then breaking through the crust to the surface of the star. Recent observations provide strong support for this model which accounts for several properties of magnetars and also enables us to identify new magnetars.