Magnetic Deformation of Atoms in the Crust of Magnetars

Abstract

Some special features of magnetically deformed multi-electron atoms in the crustal region of strongly magnetized neutron stars (magnetars) are studied with the relativistic version of semi-classical Thomas-Fermi model. An analytical solution of Poisson's equation with cylindrical symmetry is obtained. The variation of atomic dimension with magnetic field strength is also studied. An expression for atomic quadrupole moment, appears because of magnetic deformation is derived. The effect of atomic quadrupole-quadrupole interaction in the equation of state of crustal matter of magnetar is briefly discussed.