The Nuclear Physics of Neutron Stars

We explore the unique and fascinating structure of neutron stars. Although neutron stars are of interest in many areas of Physics, our aim is to provide an intellectual bridge between Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics. We argue against the naive perception of a neutron star as a uniform assembly of neutrons packed to enormous densities. Rather, by focusing on the many exotic phases that are speculated to exist in a neutron star, we show how the reality is different and far more interesting.Comment: 8 pages and 4 figures. Excerpts from a lecture presented at the Seventh European Summer School on Experimental Nuclear Astrophysics; Catania, IT (September, 2013

Symmetry Energy Constraints from Giant Resonances: A Theoretical Overview

Giant resonances encapsulate the dynamic response of the nuclear ground state to external perturbations. As such, they offer a unique view of the nucleus that is often not accessible otherwise. Although interesting in their own right, giant resonances are also enormously valuable in providing stringent constraints on the equation of state of asymmetric matter. We this view in mind, we focus on two modes of excitation that are essential in reaching this goal: the isoscalar giant monopole resonance (GMR) and the isovector giant dipole resonance (GDR). GMR energies in heavy nuclei are sensitive to the symmetry energy because they probe the incompressibility of neutron-rich matter. Unfortunately, access to the symmetry energy is hindered by the relatively low neutron-proton asymmetry of stable nuclei. Thus, the measurement of GMR energies in exotic nuclei is strongly encouraged. In the case of the GDR, we find the electric dipole polarizability of paramount importance. Indeed, the electric dipole polarizability appears as one of two laboratory observables -- with the neutron-skin thickness being the other -- that are highly sensitive to the density dependence of the symmetry energy. Finally, we identify the softness of skin and the nature of the pygmy resonance as important unsolved problems in nuclear structure.Comment: 18 pages, 12 figures, submitted to EPJA "Special Issue on Symmetry Energy

Relativistic density functional theory for finite nuclei and neutron stars

The main goal of the present contribution is a pedagogical introduction to the fascinating world of neutron stars by relying on relativistic density functional theory. Density functional theory provides a powerful--and perhaps unique--framework for the calculation of both the properties of finite nuclei and neutron stars. Given the enormous densities that may be reached in the core of neutron stars, it is essential that such theoretical framework incorporates from the outset the basic principles of Lorentz covariance and special relativity. After a brief historical perspective, we present the necessary details required to compute the equation of state of dense, neutron-rich matter. As the equation of state is all that is needed to compute the structure of neutron stars, we discuss how nuclear physics--particularly certain kind of laboratory experiments--can provide significant constrains on the behavior of neutron-rich matter.Comment: Contributing chapter to the book "Relativistic Density Functional for Nuclear Structure"; World Scientific Publishing Company (Singapore); Editor Prof. Jie Meng (Peking University