Neutron star heating constraints on wave-function collapse models

Abstract

Spontaneous wavefunction collapse models, like the Continuous Spontaneous Localization, are designed to suppress macroscopic superpositions, while preserving microscopic quantum phenomena. An observable consequence of collapse models is spontaneous heating of massive objects. Here we calculate the collapse-induced heating rate of astrophysical objects, and the corresponding equilibrium temperature. We apply these results to neutron stars, the densest phase of baryonic matter in the universe. Stronger collapse model parameters imply greater heating, allowing us to derive competitive bounds on model parameters using neutron star observational data, and to propose speculative bounds based on the capabilities of current and future astronomical surveys.

v3: minor modifications, close to published version v2: Thanks to a correspondence with Philip Pearle, we found an error in our previous calculation shortly after submission. This revision corrects the error, which significantly changes our conclusions and discussion

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