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Consequences of neutron decay inside neutron stars

High Energy Physics - Phenomenology 2022-10-26 v3 Nuclear Theory

Abstract

The hypothesis that neutrons might decay into dark matter is explored using neutron stars as a testing ground. It is found that in order to obtain stars with masses at the upper end of those observed, the dark matter must experience a relatively strong self-interaction. Conservation of baryon number and energy then require that the star must undergo some heating, with a decrease in radius, leading to an increase in speed of rotation over a period of days.

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Cite

@article{arxiv.2203.02758,
  title  = {Consequences of neutron decay inside neutron stars},
  author = {Wasif Husain and Theo F. Motta and Anthony W. Thomas},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2203.02758},
  year   = {2022}
}

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