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Gravitational-Wave Asteroseismology: Probing Deconfined Quark Matter in Neutron Stars

Objective

The first detection of gravitational waves from a binary neutron-star collision in 2017 marked an historic moment in the field of astronomy. Observed across the electromagnetic spectrum as well as in gravitational waves, this landmark event unveiled a wealth of scientific discoveries. Yet a central mystery remains: what is the true nature of matter at the extreme densities inside neutron stars, where exotic states such as deconfined quark matter may emerge?

Neutron stars are natural laboratories for probing this frontier. Much like the Moon raises waves in Earth's oceans, neutron stars in binaries experience dynamical tides, where the orbital motion drives vibrational modes within the star. These oscillations leave subtle but distinctive imprints on the gravitational-wave signal. Among them, the newly identified interface modes—which arise from a transition to deconfined quark matter—may already be within reach of upcoming upgrades to the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. This research aims to identify them for the first time.

QuarkWave will pioneer the first state-of-the-art waveform model of the dynamical tide and conduct targeted searches for interface modes in gravitational-wave data. By combining relativistic theory, high-performance computing and advanced Bayesian and machine-learning techniques, this project will quantify what these modes can reveal about the properties of dense nuclear matter. The outcomes will directly support the design and science exploitation of next-generation observatories—the Einstein Telescope in Europe and Cosmic Explorer in the US.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH HIGHER EDUCATION CORPORATION
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 454 103,40
Address
Mercantile House, Hampshire Terrace, Portsmouth
PO1 2EG PORTSMOUTH
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Portsmouth
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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