Direct URCA process in neutron stars

James M. Lattimer, C. J. Pethick, Madappa Prakash, and Pawel Haensel
Phys. Rev. Lett. 66, 2701 – Published 27 May 1991
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Abstract

We show that the direct URCA process can occur in neutron stars if the proton concentration exceeds some critical value in the range 11–15%. The proton concentration, which is determined by the poorly known symmetry energy of matter above nuclear density, exceeds the critical value in many current calculations. If it occurs, the direct URCA process enhances neutrino emission and neutron star cooling rates by a large factor compared to any process considered previously.

  • Received 29 January 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.66.2701

©1991 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

James M. Lattimer

  • Earth and Space Sciences Department, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794

C. J. Pethick

  • NORDITA, Blegdamsvej 17, DK-2100 Copenhagen O/, Denmark
  • Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801

Madappa Prakash

  • Department of Physics, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York 11794

Pawel Haensel

  • Copernicus Astronomical Center, 00-716 Warszawa, Poland

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Vol. 66, Iss. 21 — 27 May 1991

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