Hadron–quark vortex continuity

Determine whether hadronic neutron vortices connect individually to quark vortices at a hadron–quark interface or whether multiple defects must merge and reorganize through boojum-like junctions.

Background

Hadronic neutron vortices and CFL semi-superfluid vortices carry different combinations of circulation and gauge flux. Their matching depends on quark–hadron continuity, intermediate phases, color-flux neutrality, and interface energetics.

References

It is not known whether hadronic neutron vortices connect individually to quark vortices, or whether several defects must merge and reorganize through boojum-like junctions.

— Superfluidity and Vortex Dynamics in Neutron Stars  (2609.01022 - Link et al., 1 Sep 2026) in Section “Open questions and perspectives” under “Quantum vorticity in quark matter”