Chiral Symmetry in Dense Matter with Meson Condensation

TL;DR

This paper investigates kaon condensation in dense hyperon-mixed matter within neutron stars, using chiral symmetry principles to analyze how meson interactions influence the phase transition and the equation of state.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed chiral symmetry-based framework for understanding kaon condensation in hyperon-rich matter, incorporating effective Lagrangians and mean field theory.

Findings

Kaon properties are significantly affected by scalar and vector interactions.

The onset density for kaon condensation is clarified.

Quark condensates in the phase are linked to chiral symmetry restoration.

Abstract

Kaon condensation in hyperon-mixed matter [($Y$+$K$) phase], which may be realized in neutron stars, is discussed on the basis of chiral symmetry. With the use of the effective chiral Lagrangian for kaon--baryon and kaon--kaon interactions; coupled with the relativistic mean field theory and universal three-baryon repulsive interaction, we clarify the effects of the $s$-wave kaon--baryon scalar interaction simulated by the kaon--baryon sigma terms and vector interaction (Tomozawa--Weinberg term) on kaon properties in hyperon-mixed matter, the onset density of kaon condensation, and the equation of state with the ($Y$+$K$) phase. In particular, the quark condensates in the ($Y$+$K$) phase are obtained, and their relevance to chiral symmetry restoration is discussed.