Solidification in neutron star cores

Abstract

A mathematical computation based on the t-matrix approach shows that a system of strongly interacting baryons under sufficiently high pressure (approximately 10 to the 30th power atm) and densities greater than 10 to the 15th power g/cu cm minimizes the energy by arranging the constituents in a lattice structure rather than in a fluid phase. The solution is given assuming an optimum spin arrangement, although all other possible arrangements would also satisfy the conditions for crystallization to occur.