On the emission of neutrinos and gravitational waves in the formation of neutron stars

• Published in: Astrophysics and space science 1977-09, Vol.51 (1), p.187-196
• Main Authors: Kondo, Yoji, McCluskey, George E., Sofia, Sabatino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0004-640X; 1572-946X
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00642469

The various modes in which the energy generated by the formation of a neutron star or black hole due to collapse of a stellar core can appear are investigated, and physical constraints are placed on this energy distribution by noting that neutron stars appear to have been found in at least six X-ray binaries and one binary pulsar. The energy generated by a supernova during the collapse of a stellar core to a neutron star is considered along with the manner in which this energy is distributed in the different modes. It is shown that the gravitational binding energy of a neutron star is converted mostly into kinetic energy of rotation or is emitted as neutrinos, gravitational waves, or both. The energy release through mass ejection and cosmic rays is suggested to be no more than a few percent of the total energy involved. A possible scenario is outlined for the case where the initial rotation velocity of the collapsing core exceeds some critical limit. It is concluded that gravitational radiation will be the ultimate outlet for most of the binding energy in this case.