Effects of pseudoscalar condensation on the cooling of neutron stars

TL;DR

This paper explores how pseudoscalar condensates in neutron stars, modeled via modified electrodynamics, can significantly influence their cooling rates, highlighting a potentially universal effect that warrants further investigation.

Contribution

It introduces a model for pseudoscalar condensates affecting neutron star cooling without assuming specific origins, emphasizing the impact of modified electrodynamics on star cooling.

Findings

Pseudoscalar condensates can alter photon propagation within neutron stars.

Reflection coefficients between regions of different pseudoscalar densities are non-trivial.

The overall cooling rate of neutron stars can be substantially affected by pseudoscalar effects.

Abstract

In this work we consider the effect that the appearance of pseudoscalar condensates in a neutron star can have on its cooling rate. We make no particular assumption on the origin and characteristics of these possible condensates and only assume that in regions where the pseudoscalar density varies the propagation of photons is governed by modified Maxwell-Chern-Simons electrodynamics. We find that this gives non-trivial reflection coefficients between regions of different pseudoscalar density and may affect very substantially the star cooling rate. While quantitative results do depend on precise details that can only be answered once a proper equation of state is determined, the general trend is quite universal and serious consideration should be given to this possibility.