The r-mode instability in rotating neutron stars

TL;DR

This review summarizes the current understanding of r-mode instabilities in rotating neutron stars, their mechanics, astrophysical implications, and prospects for gravitational wave detection.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the physics, evolution, and observational prospects of r-mode instabilities in neutron stars, highlighting recent advances.

Findings

R-modes can significantly influence neutron star spin evolution.

R-mode gravitational waves may be detectable with current or future observatories.

Mechanisms such as viscosity limit the spin rates of accreting neutron stars.

Abstract

In this review we summarize the current understanding of the gravitational-wave driven instability associated with the so-called r-modes in rotating neutron stars. We discuss the nature of the r-modes, the detailed mechanics of the instability and its potential astrophysical significance. In particular we discuss results regarding the spin-evolution of nascent neutron stars, the detectability of r-mode gravitational waves and mechanisms limiting the spin-rate of accreting neutron stars in binary systems.