Vector interactions inhibit quark-hadron mixed phases in neutron stars

We investigate the surface tension a-and the curvature energy y of quark matter drops in the MIT bag model with vector interactions. Finite size corrections to the density of states are implemented by using the multiple reflection expansion (MRE) formalism. We find that a-and y are strongly enhanced by new terms arising from vector interactions. With respect to the noninteracting case they are increased by a large factor, which can be as high as similar to 10 when the vector coupling constant g varies within the range used in the literature. This behavior may have major consequences for the hadron-quark mixed phase speculated to exist at neutron star (NS) interiors, which may be totally suppressed or have its extension substantially reduced.

Automated summary

The research investigates the surface tension and curvature energy of quark matter drops in the MIT bag model with vector interactions, implementing finite size corrections to the density of states using the multiple reflection expansion (MRE) formalism. It is found that the surface tension and curvature energy are strongly enhanced by new terms from vector interactions, potentially impacting the potential hadron-quark mixed phase speculated to exist at neutron star interiors.