Stochastic Vacuum Fluctuations and Neutron Star Inertia

Stochastic Vacuum Fluctuations and Neutron Star Inertia: An Effective Field Theory Approach Summary This paper introduces a novel Effective Field Theory (EFT) framework that extends the standard model of neutron star structure. By introducing a single parameter σ, we "dress" the inertial factor (ε + P) within the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff (TOV) equations while keeping the nuclear Equation of State (EOS) fixed. Key Findings Theoretical Foundation: We propose a candidate geometric origin for the parameter: σ = Geff = 356π5/2 ≈ 0.00306 This is derived via spectral geometry on a five-dimensional torus T⁵ with $SU(3)$ symmetry. Observational Impact: Testing across four EOS (SLy, AP4, MPA1, H4), the model predicts subtle but systematic shifts in macroscopic observables: Radius: Δ R1.4 ≈ -0.01 km Tidal Deformability: Δ Λ1.4 ≈ -6 Consistency: These shifts are currently below the instrumental uncertainty of GW170817 and NICER, making the model consistent with all current multi-messenger constraints. Methodology & Reproducibility The work is supported by a comprehensive Reviewer Roadmap and a suite of 11 numerical scripts (provided in the supplementary material) to ensure full transparency and reproducibility of the TOV integration and spectral-geometric proofs.