Multi-Pomeron repulsion and the neutron-star mass

A multi-Pomeron exchange potential (MPP) is proposed as a model for the three-body repulsion indicated in neutron-star matter, which works universally among three and four baryons. Its strength is determined by analyzing the nucleus-nucleus scattering with the G-matrix folding model. The equation of state in neutron matter is obtained including the MPP contribution. The neutron-star mass is calculated by solving the Tolmann-Oppenheimer-Volkof equation. The maximum mass is obtained to be larger than the observed one, 1.97 M-solar, on the basis of the experimental data.