Testing how pQCD constrains the neutron star equation of state using a semi-parametric equation of state model

We explore the impact of imposing constraints from perturbative quantum chromodynamics (pQCD) on a semi-parametric dense matter equation of state (EoS) framework that uses a meta-model at low densities $\left(n\leq n_{\mathrm{sat}}\right)$ and Gaussian Process (GP) extensions at high densities. We first modify the GP EoS generation to extend to higher densities, terminating at $n\approx40n_{\mathrm{sat}}$. We then constrain the generated EoS distribution using a prediction from pQCD -- accepting the EoSs that approach the conformal limit on sound speed $c_s^2=\frac{1}{3}$ at the termination density. Evaluating the effect of pQCD constraints on the semi-parametric model will provide insight into the robustness of pQCD constraints at intermediate densities relevant to the cores of neutron stars. We also discuss progress toward examining this effect more directly and efficiently by integrating the conformal limit requirement into the generation of GP candidates.