Special Astrophysics Seminar

Ferromagnetism in nuclear matter and its implication for the neutron star equation of state

Jacobus Diener

Stellenbosch University

Under the extreme conditions in the neutron star interior the proton and neutron magnetic dipole moments could increase well beyond their values observed under normal conditions. If such an increase in the dipole moment is sufficient, the matter in the interior of the star can undergo a ferromagnetic phase transition. The generated magnetic field should be of the order of the observed magnetar magnetic field and can thus make a considerable contribution to the star~Rs magnetic field. This talk reports on the conditions of such a phase transition in charge neutral, beta-equilibrated nuclear matter and its implication for the neutron star equation of state. Possible observational consequences of such a phase transition will also be discussed.