Phase Transition in Relativistically Degenerate Quantum Plasmas

TL;DR

This paper investigates the phase transition mechanism called spontaneous core collapse (SCC) in relativistically degenerate quantum plasmas, revealing a critical core density in white dwarf stars that influences their evolution beyond the Chandrasekhar limit.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized phase separation diagram for quantum plasmas and identifies a critical core density for SCC in white dwarf stars considering advanced electron interactions.

Findings

Identifies a critical core density for SCC in white dwarf stars.

Shows SCC can lead to supernova stages beyond the Chandrasekhar limit.

Highlights the influence of ion charge state on the SCC threshold.

Abstract

In this paper we present the generalized phase separation diagram for quantum plasmas revealing the fundamental mechanism called the spontaneous core collapse (SCC) for a white dwarf star core-density based on the extended Shukla-Eliasson force for relativistically degenerate matter taking into account the most important electron interaction features such as Fermi-Dirac statistical pressure, Coulomb, exchange-correlation and quantum tunneling effects. A critical core mass-density value is reported for white dwarf stars beyond which the SCC mechanism will be inevitable. It is revealed that the SCC critical core-density value is slightly affected by the ion charge state, $Z$ (the core composition). Such fundamental effect which is mainly caused by the electron quantum diffraction effect can progressively lead the white dwarf star with a mass beyond the Chandrasekhar limit through SCC, core fusion and the ultimate supernova stages.