Formation enthalpy of monovacancies in neutron-star matter

Analysis of the monovacancy formation enthalpy in the solid phase of neutro n-star matter has shown that neither the continuous neutron superfluid nor changes in nuclear properties are of significance. Its calculation is a wel l-defined problem involving Coulomb and electron energies. The thermal equi librium concentrations of monovacancies obtained are too small to give supe rfluid-neutron-vortex pinning of the strength required to explain the seque nce of large glitches observed in the Vela pulsar, but the monovacancy-vort ex interaction, if attractive, could contribute to the recovery of the spin -down rate observed after a glitch.