Charges on Strange Quark Nuggets in Space

Abstract

Since Witten's seminal 1984 paper on the subject, searches for evidence of strange quark nuggets (SQNs) have proven unsuccessful. In the absence of experimental evidence ruling out SQNs, the validity of theories introducing mechanisms that increase their stability should continue to be tested. To stimulate electromagnetic SQN searches, particularly space searches, we estimate the net charge that would develop on an SQN in space exposed to various radiation baths (and showers) capable of liberating their less strongly bound electrons, taking into account recombination with ambient electrons. We consider, in particular, the cosmic background radiation, radiation from the sun, and diffuse galactic and extragalactic $\gamma$-ray backgrounds. A possible dramatic signal of SQNs in explosive astrophysical events is noted.

CitationS added, new subsection added, more discussion, same numerical results

References in corpus (8)

• Color superconductivity in dense quark matter
• The Strange Star Surface: A Crust with Nuggets
• Universal Charge-Radius Relation for Subatomic and Astrophysical Compact Objects
• Surface effects in color superconducting strange-quark matter
• Critical Charges on Strange Quark Nuggets and Other Extended Objects
• The search for Primordial Quark Nuggets among Near Earth Asteroids
• Trapping of strangelets in the geomagnetic field
• Positron Annihilations at the Galactic Center: Generating More Questions Than Answers