$\Delta$-admixed neutron stars: spinodal instabilities and dUrca processes

Understand

Within the covariant density functional theory of nuclear matter we build equations of state of $\Delta$-admixed compact stars.

• Uncertainties in the interaction of $\Delta(1232)$ resonance states with nuclear matter, due to lack of experimental data, are accounted for by varying the coupling constants to scalar and vector mesonic fields.
• We find that, over a wide range of the parameter space allowed by nuclear physics experiments and astrophysical observations, cold catalyzed star matter exhibits a first order phase transition which persists also at finite temperature and out of $\beta$-equilibrium in the neutrino-transparent matter.
• Compact stars featuring such a phase transition in the outer core have small radii and, implicitly, tidal deformabilities.