Continuity from neutron matter to two-flavor quark matter with $^1 S_0$ and $^3 P_2$ superfluidity

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential continuity between neutron superfluidity and two-flavor quark superfluidity, suggesting that the quark-hadron continuity concept may extend to neutron star matter through symmetry and dynamical analysis.

Contribution

It demonstrates the possible continuity between neutron superfluidity and $d$-quark pairing in two-flavor quark matter using symmetry arguments and dynamical mechanisms.

Findings

$^3P_2$ superfluidity in neutron matter parallels $d$-quark pairing in quark matter

Supports quark-hadron continuity hypothesis for neutron star matter

Implications for neutron star superfluid phases

Abstract

This study is performed with the aim of gaining insights into the possible applicability of the quark-hadron continuity concept, not only in the idealized case of three-flavor symmetric quark matter, but also for the transition from neutron matter to two-flavor quark matter. A key issue is the continuity between neutron superfluidity and a corresponding superfluid quark phase produced by $d$-quark pairing. Symmetry arguments are developed and relevant dynamical mechanisms are analyzed. It is pointed out that the $^3P_2$ superfluidity in dense neutron matter has a direct analogue in the $^3P_2$ pairing of $d$-quarks in two-flavor quark matter. This observation supports the idea that the quark-hadron continuity hypothesis may be valid for such systems. Possible implications for neutron stars are briefly discussed.