Some Topics on the Vortex Matter in Neutron Stars

We are interested in understanding what role, if any, would anti-vortices play in neutron star dynamics.

To this end we will investigate, using simple models, if there are rotational regimes where they can enter the crust and affect its angular momentum.

As a second topic, we will study the propagation of vortex avalanches during neutron star glitches, focussing in particular on the role of thermal effects in unpinning vortices and maintaining the avalanche flow by analogy with similar phenomena in laboratory superconductors.

The question is under what conditions could the heat released provide a feedback loop which increases the avalanche size.