Cooling of Superfluid Neutron Stars
Abstract
Cooling of neutron stars (NSs) with the cores composed of neutrons, protons, and electrons is analyzed. The main cooling regulators are discussed: opening of direct Urca process in a NS central kernel; superfluidity of nucleons in NS interiors; surface layers of light (accreted) elements; strong surface magnetic fields. An emphasis is paid on the cooling scenario with strong 1S0 pairing of protons and weak 3P2 pairing of neutrons in the NS core, as well as strong 1S0 pairing of neutrons in the NS crust. The theory predicts three types of isolated cooling middle-aged NSs with distinctly different properties: low-mass, slowly cooling NSs; medium-mass, moderately cooling NSs; massive, rapidly cooling NSs. The theory is compared with observations of isolated NSs -- pulsars and radio quiet NSs in supernova remnants. The constraints on physical properties of NSs which can be inferred from such a comparison are outlined.
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