A first-order quantum chromodynamics (QCD) phase transition (PT) may take place in the protocompact star (PCS) produced by a core-collapse supernova (CCSN). In this work, we study the consequences of such a PT in a non-rotating CCSN with axisymmetric hydrodynamic simulations. We find that the PT leads to the collapse of the PCS and results in a loud burst of gravitational waves (GWs). The amplitude of this GW burst is ∼30 times larger than the post-bounce GW signal normally found for non-rotating CCSN. It shows a broad peak at high frequencies (∼2500−4000 Hz) in the spectrum, has a duration of ≲5ms, and carries ∼3 orders of magnitude more energy than the other episodes. Also, the peak frequency of the PCS oscillation increases dramatically after the PT-induced collapse. In addition to a second neutrino burst, the GW signal, if detected by the ground-based GW detectors, is decisive evidence of the first-order QCD PT inside CCSNe and provides key information about the structure and dynamics of the PCS.
@article{arxiv.2007.04716,
title = {Gravitational-wave Signature of a First-order Quantum Chromodynamics Phase Transition in Core-Collapse Supernovae},
author = {Shuai Zha and Evan P. O'Connor and Ming-chung Chu and Lap-Ming Lin and Sean M. Couch},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2007.04716},
year = {2021}
}
Comments
6 pages, 4 figures, with Supplementary Materials. Corrected characteristic strain spectra, Fig. 4 and Fig. S3(b). Conclusion of original version is not affected. See also the PRL erratum