Alpha particle formation in neutron star crusts with an improved trial wave function for nuclear Quantum Monte Carlo*

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations have given us insights into many aspects of nuclear physics, from the properties of atomic nuclei to the structure and formation of neutron stars. The combined accuracy and simplicity of the nuclear trial wave function plays a key role in QMC calculations. A more accurate trial wave function could open the door to larger systems and new physics for Auxiliary Field Diffusion Monte Carlo calculations. We have developed a new trial wave function which includes up to 4 correlated particles at a time. We have used this wave function to calculate the binding energies of $^{4}$He, $^{16}$O, $^{40}$Ca, and symmetric nuclear matter at saturation density and show that the energy is decreased for each system compared to calculations with only 2 correlated particles at a time. We also discuss the application of this improved wave function to alpha particle clustering in nearly neutron matter near the transition density between the inner crust and mantel of a neutron star.