Dynamical instability modes of low-density asymmetric nuclear matter (ANM) neutralized by electrons as found in supernova core and neutron star crust are studied in the framework of relativistic mean-field hadron models with the inclusion of electron and photon fields. The dynamical and thermodynamical instability zones are compared. It is shown that the Coulomb field quenches large structure formation but has little effect on medium and small-size fluctuations that are, however, partially stabilized by the finite range of the nuclear forces. The electron dynamics tends to restore the large-wavelength instabilities but is moderated by the high-electron Fermi energy.

• Received 2 August 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.73.025805