Neutron Disks Around Black Holes

TL;DR

This paper investigates neutron-rich disks around black holes formed through nucleosynthesis in hot accretion flows, highlighting neutron retention and potential environmental contamination.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of neutron disks around black holes and analyzes their formation, properties, and impact on surroundings in low accretion rate flows.

Findings

Neutrons remain longer around black holes due to lack of magnetic coupling.

Matter is photo-dissociated into protons and neutrons within the disk.

Estimated contamination rates of surroundings by neutron disks.

Abstract

We study nucleosynthesis in low accretion rate hot advective flows around black holes. We find that matter is generally photo-dissociated into protons and neutrons inside the disk. These neutrons stay around black holes for longer time because they are not coupled to magnetic fields while the protons accrete into the hole. We find the nature of the resulting neutron disks and estimate the rate at which these disks contaminate the surroundings.