Superdense objects in general relativity : modeling neutron stars with free quark cores

We present the results of a numerical study of neutron stars made of a color-flavor locked (CFL) quark matter center and a nuclear fluid exterior. CFL quark matter is a theoretical state of matter which may exist at the center of highly dense neutron stars. To verify its existence, we need to make falsifiable predictions about the differences between typical neutron stars and CFL hybrid neutron stars and verify them observationally. This thesis begins this process by modelling the hybrid neutron stars at rest and while undergoing rotation. We show that Newtonian models are insufficient to correctly describe these objects; their treatment must be relativistic. We also put a bound on the upper rotation speed allowed by our approximations. Finally, we note the presence of the backbending instability in our hybrid star model which may constrain the physically accessible parameters of this model. The tools we have developed in this study are a first step in fully investigating the properties of these objects.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Physics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Corbo, Joel C. (Joel Christopher), 1982-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Scott A. Hughes.

• Physics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/32736

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/32736