Continuous gravitational waves from thermal mountains on accreting neutron stars: effect of the nuclear pasta phase

Kavli Affiliate: Lijing Shao

| First 5 Authors: Hong-Bo Li, Lijing Shao, Cheng-Jun Xia, Ren-Xin Xu,

| Summary:

As density increases, the shape of nuclei transitions to non-spherical
“nuclear pasta" structures. The physical properties of the nuclear pasta, such
as thermal conductivity and elasticity, have implications for detecting
continuous gravitational waves from a rapidly rotating neutron star. In this
work, we investigate the effect of the nuclear pasta on the quadruple moment,
and find out that, compared with previous work, the quadrupole moment
contributing to continuous gravitational-wave radiation can be up to two orders
of magnitude larger. We also discuss the relationship between the quadruple
moment and the maximum shear strain. Considering the properties of nuclear
pasta, we study the detectability of known accreting neutron stars and compare
predicted results to the detectable amplitude limits. These sources are well
above the sensitivity curves for Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope
detectors. Our work advances the understanding of the properties of nuclear
pasta and a possible mechanism for continuous gravitational waves.

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