Density Discontinuity of a Neutron Star and Gravitational Waves

TL;DR

This paper investigates how density discontinuities in neutron stars, possibly from phase transitions, affect their gravitational wave signatures, especially the f- and g-modes, which could be crucial for gravitational wave detection.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed calculation of neutron star quasi-normal modes considering density discontinuities, highlighting their impact on gravitational wave signals.

Findings

Density discontinuity significantly affects the f-mode.

G-mode becomes important in less massive stars.

Discontinuities alter gravitational wave emission characteristics.

Abstract

We calculate quasi-normal f- and g-modes of a neutron star with density discontinuity, which may appear in a phase transition at extreme high density. We find that discontinuity will reflect largely on the f-mode, and that the g-mode could also be important for a less massive star.