Effect of neutron dark decay under neutron star interior conditions

Determine how the neutron dark decay channel n → χ + φ is affected by the extreme physical conditions inside neutron star cores, including high densities, pressures, temperatures, and intense fields, and ascertain the extent of any modification to the decay under these conditions.

Background

The paper investigates how nuclear symmetry energy influences equations of state for β-stable matter that includes dark sector components produced by neutron dark decay, considering both dark matter self-interactions and dark matter–baryon interactions. The authors emphasize that most prior studies focused on pure neutron matter, while this work incorporates β-stable nuclear matter and interaction effects.

They note that laboratory studies of neutron dark decay do not reflect the extreme environment of neutron stars, where conditions could significantly alter the feasibility of the decay. The authors explicitly state that the extent to which neutron dark decay is modified in neutron star interiors is currently unresolved, motivating further investigation.