Novel neutron decay mode inside neutron stars

Abstract

We explore the suggestion that the neutron lifetime puzzle might be resolved by neutrons decaying into dark matter through the process, n → χχχ, with χ having a mass one third of that of the neutron. In particular, we examine the consequences of such a decay mode for the properties of neutron stars. Unlike an earlier suggested decay mode, in order to satisfy the constraints on neutron star mass and tidal deformability, there is no need for a strong repulsive force between the dark matter particles. This study suggests the possibility of having hot dark matter at the core of the neutron star and presents a possible mechanism of dark matter cooling, and examines the possible signal of neutrons decaying in this way inside the neutron star right after its birth.