Quantum jiggling of ions restores neutron star superfluidity

Neutron star crusts are solid lattices that normally suppress the neutron superfluid. This work shows that quantum zero-point motion—the unavoidable vibration of ions even at zero temperature—partially restores superfluidity in the inner crust. The calculation reveals a feedback loop: the superfluid affects the ions' effective mass, which dampens their vibrations further. This matters because the superfluid fraction directly controls how neutron stars lose heat and angular momentum over time.