Quantised vortices and mutual friction in relativistic superfluids

TL;DR

This paper develops a relativistic model for quantised vortices in superfluids, specifically aimed at understanding neutron star cores, by extending Newtonian models using a variational approach that includes mutual friction effects.

Contribution

It introduces a relativistic framework for superfluid vortex dynamics that incorporates mutual friction, improving the modeling of neutron star core physics.

Findings

Relativistic extension of superfluid vortex dynamics.

Inclusion of mutual friction effects.

Enhanced understanding of neutron star core behavior.

Abstract

We consider the detailed dynamics of an array of quantised superfluid vortices in the framework of general relativity, as required for quantitative modelling of realistic neutron star cores. Our model builds on the variational approach to relativistic (multi-) fluid dynamics, where the vorticity plays a central role. The description provides a natural extension of, and as it happens a better insight into, existing Newtonian models. In particular, we account for the mutual friction associated with scattering of a second "normal" component in the mixture off of the superfluid vortices.