The neutron star inner crust and symmetry energy

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the symmetry energy slope influences the structure of neutron star inner crusts, using a Thomas Fermi approach and relativistic models, revealing significant effects on pasta cluster formations.

Contribution

It introduces a comparative analysis of cell structures in neutron star crusts considering the symmetry energy slope within relativistic models.

Findings

Symmetry energy slope L significantly affects cell structure.

Rod-like and slab-like pasta clusters are common across models.

Large L values suppress certain pasta phases.

Abstract

The cell structure of clusters in the inner crust of a cold \beta-equilibrium neutron star is studied within a Thomas Fermi approach and compared with other approaches which include shell effects. Relativistic nuclear models are considered. We conclude that the symmetry energy slope L may have quite dramatic effects on the cell structure if it is very large or small. Rod-like and slab-like pasta clusters have been obtained in all models except one with a large slope L.