Zero-temperature thermodynamics of dense asymmetric strong-interaction matter

Understand

Employing constraints derived from the microscopic theory of the strong interaction, we estimate the zero-temperature phase structure of dense isospin-asymmetric matter with two quark flavors.

• We find indications that strong-interaction matter along trajectories relevant for astrophysical applications undergoes a first-order phase transition from a color-superconducting phase to an ungapped quark-matter phase when the density is increased.
• Such a phase transition is found to be absent in isospin-symmetric matter.
• Moreover, by taking into account constraints from $\beta$-equilibrium, charge neutrality, and color neutrality, we provide an estimate for the speed of sound in neutron-star matter.