Presence of quantum turbulence in neutron stars is unknown

Ascertain whether quantum turbulence occurs in neutron stars by determining if the superfluid components can sustain quantum turbulent states and specifying the physical conditions under which such turbulence would develop and persist.

Background

The authors’ simulations show that vortex rings can be nucleated when local superfluid velocities exceed the Landau criterion, and they discuss how vortex-ring injection is an efficient route to quantum turbulence in other superfluids such as liquid helium. They caution, however, that current microscopic simulations cannot definitively establish the presence of quantum turbulence in neutron stars.

This unresolved question has potential implications for neutron-star dynamics, including phenomena such as glitches. The study thus motivates further theoretical and observational work to determine whether quantum turbulence exists in neutron-star interiors.