LATTICE-DEFECTS IN THE CRUST OF A NEUTRON-STAR

We investigate the problem of defects in the crust of a neutron star a nd their possible astrophysical consequences. We consider point defect s (impurities, lattice vacancies) and microcrystalline structures resu lting from non-equilibrium processes (nuclear condensation, ionic migr ation, crystallization, etc.) as well as from equilibrium configuratio ns at finite temperature, Our findings suggest that the presence of im purities is likely while vacancies, microcrystals or a glassy state ar e probably absent, (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.