Donutization Inside Neutron Stars: Shell-Localized Scalar Fields
Abstract
Heavy scalar fields (mϕ10-9 eV) in scalar-tensor gravity are expected to be hidden from neutron-star observations because their Compton wavelength is sub-stellar. We show that neutron stars can nevertheless scalarize by forming a shell-localized profile, suppressed at their center and exterior but peaked in their interior. This donutization reshapes the effective equation of state, making hadronic stars mimic quark-star mass-radius behavior or hybrid-star behavior with split stable branches, and breaks the I--Q relation, while remaining hidden from binary pulsar observations.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.