Revised density of magnetized nuclear matter at the neutron drip line

Abstract

We study the onset of neutron drip in high density matter in the presence of magnetic field. It has been found that for systems having only protons and electrons, in the presence of magnetic field >~ 10^{15}G, the neutronization occurs at a density which is atleast an order of magnitude higher compared to that in a nonmagnetic system. In a system with heavier ions, the effect of magnetic field, however, starts arising at a much higher field, >~ 10^{17}G. These results may have important implications in high magnetic neutron stars and white dwarfs and, in general, nuclear astrophysics when the system is embedded with high magnetic field.

8 pages including 4 figures in REVTeX format; a new figure and a few new references added and accordingly sections I and III modified, title slightly modified; version accepted for publication in Physical Review C