$Δ$-admixed neutron stars: spinodal instabilities and dUrca processes

Abstract

Within the covariant density functional theory of nuclear matter we build equations of state of $Δ$-admixed compact stars. Uncertainties in the interaction of $Δ(1232)$ 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 $β$-equilibrium in the neutrino-transparent matter. Compact stars featuring such a phase transition in the outer core have small radii and, implicitly, tidal deformabilities. The parameter space is identified where simultaneously $Δ$-admixed compact stars obey the astrophysical constraint on maximum mass and allow for dUrca processes, which is otherwise forbidden.