Quantum corrections to the ground state energy of inhomogeneous neutron matter

We estimate the quantum corrections to the ground-state energy in neutron matter (which could be termed as well either shell correction energy or Casimir energy) at subnuclear densities, where various types of inhomogeneities (bubbles, rods, plates) are energetically favorable. We show that the magnitude of these energy corrections are comparable to the energy differences between various types of inhomogeneous phases. We discuss the dependence of these corrections on a number of physical parameters (density, filling factor, temperature, lattice distortions). (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.