Spontaneous Scalarization as a New Core-Collapse Supernova Mechanism and its Multi-Messenger Signals

Understand

We perform multi-dimensional core-collapse supernova (CCSN) simulations in a massive scalar-tensor theory for the first time with a realistic equation of state and multi-energy neutrino radiation.

• Among the set of our models varying the scalar mass and the coupling strength between the scalar and gravitational fields, a particular model allows for recurrent spontaneous scalarizations (SSs) in the proto-neutron star (PNS).
• Each SS induces the PNS collapse and subsequent bounce, from which devastating shock waves emanate and eject the PNS envelope.
• The explosion energy can easily exceed $\mathcal O(10^{51})$ erg.