Tod Strohmayer (NASA GSFC) - Neutron Star Spin Measurements and Dense Matter
with LOFT

Observations over the last decade with RXTE have begun to reveal the X-ray binary
progenitors of the fastest spinning neutron stars presently known. Detection and study of the
spin rates of binary neutron stars has important implications for constraining the nature of
dense matter present in neutron star interiors, as both the maximum spin rate and mass for
neutron stars is set by the equation of state. Precision pulse timing of accreting neutron star
binaries can enable mass constraints. Particularly promising is the combination of pulse and
eclipse timing, as for example, in systems like Swift J1749.4-2807. With its greater sensitivity,
LOFT will enable deeper searches for the spin periods of neutron stars, both during persistent
outburst intervals and thermonuclear X-ray bursts, and enable more precise modeling of
detected pulsations. I will explore the anticipated impact of LOFT on spin measurements and
its potential for constraining dense matter in neutron stars.