Transport Properties and Neutrino Emissivity of Dense Neutron–star Matter with Localized Protons

(Received February 1, 2008) As pointed out by Kutschera and Wójcik, very low concentration of protons combined with a specific density dependence of effective neutron– proton interaction could lead to a localization of “proton impurities” in neutron medium at densities exceeding four times normal nuclear matter density. We study consequences of the localization of protons for transport processes in dense neutron star cores, assuming random distribution of proton impurities. Kinetic equations, relevant for the transport of charge, heat and momentum, are solved using variational method. Localization of protons removes a T factor from the transport coefficients, which leads, at lower temperatures, to a strong decrease of thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and shear viscosity of neutron star matter, as compared to the standard case, where protons form a Fermi liquid. Due to the localization of protons a number of conventional neutrino emission processes (including modified URCA process) become inoperative in neutron star cores. On the other hand, the energy loss rate from neutrino–antineutrino pair bremsstrahlung due to electron and neutron scattering off (localized) protons, will have a specific T 6 dependence, which could modify the cooling of the neutron star core, as compared to the standard case. Possible astrophysical implications of the localization of protons for neutron star evolution and dynamics are discussed.