Timing-Window Mechanism for Chain-Like Transients in Collisions of Radially Excited Boson Stars

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that chain-like transients in boson star collisions are governed by the binary collision timing, not just the stars' radial excitation, revealing a timing-window mechanism.

Contribution

It introduces a timing-window mechanism controlling chain formation in boson star collisions, linking collision timing to isolated star breathing cycles.

Findings

Chain-like transients depend on collision timing rather than excitation level.

Numerical simulations confirm the timing-window mechanism.

Breathing clocks serve as reference for transient formation.

Abstract

We show that chain-like transients in head-on collisions of radially excited boson stars are controlled by the binary collision time, not by radial excitation alone. For selected \(n=2\), \(\lambda=400\) self-interacting configurations, isolated evolutions define breathing windows that serve as reference clocks. Numerical-relativity simulations show that visible chains form only when the collision time is compatible with the isolated breathing clock. A separation scan shifts the collision time relative to the same clock, confirming the timing-window mechanism.