Zero-temperature thermodynamics of dense asymmetric strong-interaction matter

Employing constraints derived from the microscopic theory of strong interaction, we estimate zero-temperature phase structure dense isospin-asymmetric matter with two quark flavors. We find indications that strong-interaction along trajectories relevant for astrophysical applications undergoes a first-order transition color-superconducting to an ungapped quark-matter when density is increased. Such found be absent in isospin-symmetric matter. Moreover, by taking into account $\ensuremath{\beta}$ equilibrium, charge neutrality, and color provide speed sound neutron-star Notably, observe exceeds asymptotic value associated noninteracting gas even increases toward lower densities across wide range, agreement recent results Considering studies based on chiral effective field at low densities, our findings suggest existence maximum $n/{n}_{0}\ensuremath{\lesssim}10$, where ${n}_{0}$ nuclear saturation density.