Pasta phases in neutron star studied with extended relativistic mean field models

TL;DR

This paper investigates how extended relativistic mean field models, incorporating higher order or density-dependent couplings, influence the equation of state and phase transitions related to pasta structures in neutron star crusts.

Contribution

It explores the impact of extended RMF models on the low-density equation of state and pasta phase transitions in neutron star crusts.

Findings

Extended models significantly affect the crustal phase transition properties.

Higher order and density-dependent couplings alter the pasta phase structure.

Results improve understanding of neutron star crust composition.

Abstract

To explain several properties of finite nuclei, infinite matter, and neutron stars in a unified way within the relativistic mean field models, it is important to extend them either with higher order couplings or with density-dependent couplings. These extensions are known to have strong impact in the high-density regime. Here we explore their role on the equation of state at densities lower than the saturation density of finite nuclei which govern the phase transitions associated with pasta structures in the crust of neutron stars.