Maximal neutron star mass and the resolution of hyperon puzzle in modified gravity

Abstract

The so-called hyperon puzzle in the theory of neutron stars is considered in the framework of modified $f(R)$ gravity. We show that for simple hyperon equations of state, it is possible to obtain the maximal neutron star mass which satisfies the recent observational data for PSR J1614-2230, in higher-derivative models with power-law terms as $f(R) = R+\alpha R^2+ \beta R^3$. The soft hyperon equation of state under consideration is usually treated as non-realistic in the standard General Relativity. The numerical analysis of Mass-Radius relation for massive neutron stars with hyperon equation of state in modified gravity turns out to be consistent with observations. Thus, we show that the same modified gravity can solve at once three problems: consistent description of the maximal mass of neutron star, realistic Mass-Radius relation and account for hyperons in equation of state.