Diffusion and Coulomb separation of ions in dense matter

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Coulomb interactions in dense stellar matter cause ion separation, affecting the evolution of white dwarfs and neutron stars by analyzing diffusion processes in strongly coupled ion mixtures.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analysis of Coulomb separation of ions with identical A/Z ratios but different Z in dense stellar environments.

Findings

Coulomb separation can significantly influence stellar evolution.

Strong coupling effects induce specific diffusion currents.

Ion separation depends on plasma polarization and electric fields.

Abstract

We analyze diffusion equations in strongly coupled Coulomb mixtures of ions in dense stellar matter. Strong coupling of ions in the presence of gravitational forces and electric fields (induced by plasma polarization in the presence of gravity) produces a specific diffusion current which can separate ions with the same A/Z (mass to charge number) ratios but different Z. This Coulomb separation of ions can be important for the evolution of white dwarfs and neutron stars.