Neutron star inner crust and symmetry energy

Abstract

The cell structure of clusters in the inner crust of a cold $\ensuremath{\beta}$-equilibrium neutron star is studied within a Thomas-Fermi approach and compared with other approaches that include shell effects. Relativistic nuclear models are considered. We conclude that the symmetry energy slope $L$ may have quite dramatic effefcts on the cell structure if it is very large or small. Rodlike and slablike pasta clusters have been obtained in all models except one with a large slope $L$.