Holographic QCD in the NICER era

We analyze families of hybrid equations state cold QCD matter, which combine input from gauge/gravity duality and various ab initio methods for nuclear matter at low density, predict that all neutron stars are fully hadronic without quark cores. focus on constraints recent measurements by the NICER telescope radius mass millisecond pulsar PSR J0740+6620. These results found to be consistent with our approach: they set only mild state, favor most natural models relatively stiff density. Adding an upper bound maximal stars, as suggested analysis GW170817 star merger event, tightens considerably. discuss updated predictions observables such transition density latent heat well masses, radii, tidal deformabilities stars.