Speaker
Description
The r-mode instability is among the most promising sources for continuous gravitational-wave emission from rotating neutron stars. However, our present understanding of these purely axial perturbations rely on Newtonian gravity and assume simplistic models of the nuclear matter. Moreover, calculations in general relativity suggest a continuous spectrum, posing challenges for gravitational-wave searches and reliable parameter inference. In this talk, I will introduce the r-modes and their associated gravitational-wave instability. I will then explore how incorporating realistic nuclear composition alters the nature of these oscillations, leading to diverging frequencies that join the generic inertial modes. Finally, I will present reformulations of the r-mode problem that may resolve the singular behaviour in the relativistic calculation.
