Constraining dark boson decay using neutron stars

Abstract: Inspired by the well known anomaly in the life time of the neutron, we investigate its consequences inside neutron stars. We first assess the viability of the neutron decay hypothesis suggested by Fornal and Grinstein within neutrons tars, in terms of the equation of state and compatibility with observed properties. This is followed by an investigation of the constraint in formation on neutron star cooling can place on the decay rate of the dark boson into standard model particles, in the context of various BSM ideas.