Feasible Stellar Interiors Beyond Einstein Gravity: Insights from Non-Metricity-Matter Coupled Gravitational Theory

Abstract: This manuscript examines viability and stability of anisotropic compact objects in the framework of $f(Q,L_m)$ gravity ($Q$ is the non-metricity and $L_m$ is the matter Lagrangian). We assume a particular functional form of this theory to get explicit expressions for the field equations which govern the behavior of matter and geometry in this context. The configuration of static spherically symmetric structures is evaluated using the two innovative non-singular solutions. We use smooth matching conditions to evaluate the values of unknown constants in the metric coefficients. The viability of considered compact stars is assessed using a graphic analysis of various important physical characteristics. We also investigate stability of the considered stellar objects through sound speed method. It is found that these stellar objects are viable and stable, as all the required conditions are satisfied.