Neutrino Emission of Neutron-Star Superbursts

Abstract

Superbursts of neutron stars are rare but powerful events explained by the explosive burningof carbon in the deep layers of the outer envelope of the star. In this paper we perform a simulation ofsuperbursts and propose a simple method for describing the neutrino stage of their cooling, as well as amethod for describing the evolution of the burst energy on a scale of several months. We note a universalrelation for the temperature distribution in the burnt layer at its neutrino cooling stage, as well as theunification of bolometric light curves and neutrino heat loss rates for deep and powerful bursts. We pointout the possibility of long-term retention of the burst energy in the star’s envelope. The results can be usefulfor interpretation of superburst observations.