Constraining properties of neutron stars with heavy-ion reactions

Nuclear reactions induced by stable and/or radioactive neutron-rich nuclei provide the opportunity to pin down the equation of state of neutron-rich matter, especially the density (ρ) dependence of its isospin-dependent part, i.e., the nuclear symmetry energy Esym. A conservative constraint, 32(ρ/ρ0)0.7 < Esym(ρ) < 32(ρ/ρ0)1.1 around the nuclear matter saturation density ρ0 has recently been obtained from the isospin diffusion data in intermediate energy heavy-ion collisions. We review this exciting result and discuss its consequences and implications on nuclear effective interactions, radii and cooling mechanisms of neutron stars. (Author)