A Proposal for Detecting Superfluidity in Neutron Stars

TL;DR

This paper proposes a method to detect superfluidity in neutron stars by observing gravitational wave reflections, which cause detectable modulations in GW signals from binary systems, using future GW detectors.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach to identify superfluidity in neutron stars through GW reflection effects, supported by theoretical modeling and detection feasibility analysis.

Findings

Modulations in GW signals due to superfluidity are theoretically predicted.

Detection of these modulations is feasible with upcoming GW observatories like Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope.

The proposed method could confirm superfluidity in neutron stars, advancing understanding of their internal states.

Abstract

Based on the GW dispersion relation raised in [1], we investigate the possible reflection of gravitational wave (GW) by superfluidity (SF) in the neutron star, provided its high density and dissipationless properties. Following this scenario, an experimental proposal is raised to probe the expected SF in neutron star by means of GW detection. Two types of binary systems are considered, neutron star-black hole and binary neutron star systems, with weak gravitational field condition imposed. Non-negligible modulation on the total signal caused by the GW reflection is found, which contributes amplitude and phase variations distinguishable from the primitive sine signal. Furthermore, we show that it is possible for such modulations to be detected by the Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope at $100\,\mbox{Mpc}$. Identification of those signals can evince the existence of the long-sought SF in neutron stars as well as the exotic superfluidity-induced GW reflection.