Setting nonperturbative uncertainties on finite-temperature properties of neutron matter

Abstract

We present an error band on neutron matter properties at finite temperature (finite T) which comprehends uncertainties on the nuclear interaction, the many-body method convergence, and the thermodynamical consistency of the approach. This study provides nonperturbative predictions for finite-T neutron matter employing chiral interactions which are selected on the basis of their performance in both finite nuclei and infinite matter at zero temperature. Since proper theoretical uncertainties at finite T are still generally lacking, the band provided here represents a first step toward setting first-principles constraints on thermal aspects of the nuclear matter equation of state.