We have investigated the influence of different non-linear relativistic mean field models ($NL$, $NLρ$ and $NLρδ$) on spallation neutrons for p+Fe and Pb reactions at 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 GeV by means of a relativistic Boltzmann Uehling Uhlenbeck (RBUU) approach plus a statistical multifragmentation (SM) decay model. We find that the "evaporation shoulder", i.e. the neutron energy spectrum from 3 to 30 MeV, almost for any emission angle is quite sensitive to the isospin part of the mean field. For the more neutron-rich Pb-target the evaporation component can be directly related to the low density behavior on the symmetry energy in the thermal expansion phase of the excited compound system. It turns out that the spallation data for the reactions under study are shown to be more consistent with RBUU+SM employing the $NLρ$ effective lagrangian.
The isospin coupling-channel decomposition of the potential energy density functional is carried out within the covariant density functional theory, and their isospin and density dependence in particular the influence on the symmetry energy is studied. It is found that both isospin-singlet and isospin-triplet components of the potential energy play the dominant role in deciding the symmetry energy, especially when the Fock diagram is introduced. The results illustrate a quite different mechanism to the origin of the symmetry energy from the microscopic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory, and demons…
For the first time a fully self-consistent charge-exchange relativistic RPA based on the relativistic Hartree-Fock (RHF) approach is established. The self-consistency is verified by the so-called isobaric analog state (IAS) check. The excitation properties and the non-energy weighted sum rules of two important charge-exchange excitation modes, the Gamow-Teller resonance (GTR) and the spin-dipole resonance (SDR), are well reproduced in the doubly magic nuclei $^{48}$Ca, $^{90}$Zr and $^{208}$Pb without readjustment of the particle-hole residual interaction. The dominant contribution of the exch…
This work presents an approach to nuclear spin-isospin response, which is capable of describing the overall strength distribution up to high excitation energies, including the fine structure of the low-lying strength, and resolving the long-standing quenching problem. The model is a covariant realization of the nuclear field theory and based on the self-consistent extensions of the covariant energy density functional (CEDF) theory. Results of the recent calculations for spin-isospin response of ordinary and exotic medium-mass nuclei are presented and discussed.
Spin and isospin are essential degrees of freedom in nuclear systems, and the relevant studies on their properties play important roles not only in nuclear physics but also in nuclear astrophysics, particle physics, and so on. In this presentation for the IUPAP Young Scientist Prize 2016, I would like to introduce the microscopic studies on nuclear spin-isospin properties in the framework of covariant density functional theory (DFT), by taking a few works that I have been joining in as examples. It is seen that the covariant scheme plays an important role in describing the spin properties in a…
A systematic global investigation of pairing properties based on all available experimental data on pairing indicators has been performed for the first time in the framework of covariant density functional theory. It is based on separable pairing interaction of Ref. [1]. The optimization of the scaling factors of this interaction to experimental data clearly reveals its isospin dependence in neutron subsystem. However, the situation is less certain in proton subsystem since similar accuracy of the description of pairing indicators can be achieved both with isospin-dependent and mass-dependent …
Kaon properties are studied within the framework of a fully covariant transport approach. The kaon-nucleon potential is evaluated in two schemes, a chiral perturbative approach and an effective One-Boson-Exchange model. Isospin effects are explicitly accounted for in both models. The transport calculations indicate a significant sensitivity of momentum distributions and total yields of $K^{0,+}$ isospin states on the choice of the kaon-nucleon interaction. Furthermore, isospin effects are rather moderate on absolute kaon yields, but appear on strangeness ratios. This is an important issue in d…
Charge dependent nucleon-nucleon potentials in covariant chiral effective field theory
School of Space and Environment, Beihang University（北京航空航天大学空间与环境学院）；School of Physics, Beihang University（北京航空航天大学物理学院）；Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies, Institute for Basic Science（韩国基础科学研究院奇异核研究中心）；Peng Huanwu Collaborative Center for Research and Education, Beihang University（北京航空航天大学彭恒武教育与研究中心）；Beijing Key Laboratory of Advanced Nuclear Materials and Physics, Beihang University（北京航空航天大学先进核材料物理北京市重点实验室）；Southern Center for Nuclear-Science Theory (SCNT), Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences（中国科学院近代物理研究所南方核科学理论中心）
We show that the phenomenology of isospin effects on heavy ion reactions at intermediate energies (few AGeV range) is extremely rich and can allow a ``direct'' study of the covariant structure of the isovector interaction in a high density hadron medium. We work within a relativistic transport frame, beyond a cascade picture, consistently derived from effective Lagrangians, where isospin effects are accounted for in the mean field and collision terms. We show that rather sensitive observables are provided by the pion/kaon production (π^-/π^+, K^0/K^+ yields). Relevant non-equilibrium effects a…
We show that the phenomenology of isospin effects on heavy ion reactions at intermediate energies (few AGeV range) is extremely rich and can allow a ``direct'' study of the covariant structure of the isovector interaction in the hadron medium. We work within a relativistic transport frame, beyond a cascade picture, consistently derived from effective Lagrangians, where isospin effects are accounted for in the mean field and collision terms. Rather sensitive observables are proposed from collective flows (``differential'' flows) and from pion/kaon production ($π^-/π^+$, $K^0/K^+$ yields). For t…
We investigate the density behaviour of the symmetry energy with respect to isospin equilibration in the combined systems $Ru(Zr)+Zr(Ru)$ at relativistic energies of 0.4 and $1.528 AGeV$. The study is performed within a relativistic framework and the contribution of the iso-vector, scalar $δ$ field to the symmetry energy and the isospin dynamics is particularly explored. We find that the isospin mixing depends on the symmetry energy and a stiff behaviour leads to more transparency. The results are also nicely sensitive to the "fine structure" of the symmetry energy, i.e. to the covariant prope…
A formalism for representing the fully relativistic propagator of the Rarita-Schwinger field in the nuclear medium is developed. Using a convenient basis for expanding the propagator, or the self energy, it is shown that they can be represented by 40 energy and momentum dependent quantities which can be combined into a 2x2 and a 6x6 matrix. In this way calculations reduce to matrix multiplication. Using the presented formalism the full relativistically covariant contribution of the pion-nucleon loop to the isobar self energy and propagator in isospin-symmetric spin-saturated nuclear medium is …
We show that in collisions with neutron rich heavy ions at energies around the production threshold K^0 and K^+ yields might probe the isospin dependent part of the nuclearEquation of State (EoS) at high baryon densities. In particular we suggest the K^0/K^+ ratio as a promising observable. Results obtained in a fully covariant relativistic transport approach are presented for central Au+Au collisions in the beam energy range 0.8-1.8~AGeV. The focus is put on the EoS influence which goes beyond the "collision-cascade" picture. The isovector part of the in-medium interaction affects the kaon mu…
Some isospin dynamics results in heavy ion collisions from low to relativistic energies obtained through transport approaches, largely inspired by David M.Brink, are reviewed. At very low energies, just above the Coulomb barrier, the stimulating implications of the prompt dipole radiation in dissipative collisions of ions with large isospin asymmetries are discussed. We pass then to the very rich phenomenology of isospin effects on heavy ion reactions at intermediate energies (few AGeV range). We show that it can allow a ``direct'' study of the covariant structure of the isovector interaction …
The spin-isospin response of stable and exotic nuclei is investigated in the framework of the proton-neutron relativistic quasiparticle time-blocking approximation (pn-RQTBA). Based on the Covariant Density Functional Theory, this method extends the proton-neutron Relativistic Quasiparticle Random-Phase Approximation (pn-RQRPA) by including the coupling between single quasiparticles and collective nuclear vibrations. In the charge-exchange channel, this coupling generates a time-dependent effective interaction between proton and neutron quasiparticles. The particle-hole component of this inter…
The anomalous rod shape in carbon isotopes has been investigated in the framework of the cranking covariant density functional theory, and two mechanisms to stabilize such a novel shape with respect to the bending motion, extreme spin, and isospin, are simultaneously discussed for the first time in a self-consistent and microscopic way. By adding valence neutrons and rotating the system, we have found the mechanism stabilizing the rod shape; i.e., the $σ$ orbitals (parallel to the symmetry axis) of the valence neutrons, important for the rod shape, are lowered by the rotation due to the Coriol…
Heavy Ion Collisions (HIC) represent a unique tool to probe the in-medium nuclear interaction in regions away from saturation and at high nucleon momenta. In this report we present a selection of reaction observables particularly sensitive to the isovector part of the interaction, i.e. to the symmetry term of the nuclear Equation of State (EoS) At low energies the behavior of the symmetry energy around saturation influences dissipation and fragment production mechanisms. Predictions are shown for deep-inelastic and fragmentation collisions induced by neutron rich projectiles. Differential flow…
Heavy Ion Collisions (HIC) represent a unique tool to probe the in-medium nuclear interaction in regions away from saturation. In this work we present a selection of reaction observables in dissipative collisions particularly sensitive to the isovector part of the interaction, i.e. to the symmetry term of the nuclear Equation of State (EoS). At low energies the behavior of the symmetry energy around saturation influences dissipation and fragment production mechanisms. We will first discuss the recently observed Dynamical Dipole Radiation, due to a collective neutron-proton oscillation during t…
Recent developments in the relativistic nuclear field theory (RNFT) are reviewed. Based on the covariant meson-nucleon Lagrangian of quantum hadrodynamics, RNFT connects consistently the high-energy scale of heavy mesons, medium-energy range of pion and the low-energy domain of emergent collective vibrations (phonons) in a parameter-free way. Mesons and phonons build up the effective interaction in various channels, in particular, the phonon-exchange part takes care of the retardation effects, which are of great importance for the fragmentation of single-particle states, spreading of collectiv…
We review the new possibilities offered by the reaction dynamics of asymmetric heavy ion collisions, using stable and unstable beams. We show that it represents a rather unique tool to probe regions of highly Asymmetric Nuclear Matter ($ANM$) in compressed as well as dilute phases, and to test the in-medium isovector interaction for high momentum nucleons. The focus is on a detailed study of the symmetry term of the nuclear Equation of State ($EOS$) in regions far away from saturation conditions but always under laboratory controlled conditions. Thermodynamic properties of $ANM$ are surveyed s…
Different representations of an effective, covariant theory of the hadronic interaction are examined. For this purpose we have introduced nucleon-meson vertices parametrized in terms of scalar combinations of hadronic fields, extending the conceptual frame of the Density Dependent Hadronic Field Theory. Nuclear matter properties at zero temperature are examined in the Mean Field Approximation, including the equation of state, the Landau parameters, and collective modes. The treatment of isospin channels in terms of QCD sum rules inputs is outlined.
We present estimates from the covariant spectator quark model for the electromagnetic transition form factors for the resonances $N(1440)\frac{1}{2}^+$, $N(1535)\frac{1}{2}^-$, $N(1520)\frac{3}{2}^-$ and $Δ(1232)\frac{3}{2}^+$, at intermediate and large square momentum transfer ($Q^2$). The calculations associated to the $N(1440)\frac{1}{2}^+$, $N(1535)\frac{1}{2}^-$ and $N(1520)\frac{3}{2}^-$ states are based exclusively on the parametrizations derived for the nucleon. In the case of the $Δ(1232)\frac{3}{2}^+$ (isospin 3/2), we use lattice QCD data to estimate the radial structure, and take i…
We study the pre-equilibrium dipole response in the charge-asymmetric reaction $^{132}$Sn+$^{58}$Ni at $E_{lab}=10$ MeV/A, within a semi-classical transport model employing effective interactions for the nuclear mean-field. In particular, we adopt the recently introduced SAMi-J Skyrme interactions, whose parameters are specifically tuned to improve the description of spin-isospin properties of nuclei. Within the same framework, we also discuss pre-equilibrium nucleon emission. Our results show that both mechanisms, i.e., pre-equilibrium dipole oscillations and nucleon emission, are sensitive t…
New results for electric dipole strength in the chain of even-even Calcium isotopes with the mass numbers A = 40 - 54 are presented. Starting from the covariant Lagrangian of Quantum Hadrodynamics, spectra of collective vibrations (phonons) and phonon-nucleon coupling vertices for $J \leq 6$ and normal parity were computed in a self-consistent relativistic quasiparticle random phase approximation (RQRPA). These vibrations coupled to Bogoliubov two-quasiparticle configurations (2q$\otimes$phonon) form the model space for the calculations of the dipole response function in the relativistic quasi…
The relativistic random-phase approximation (RRPA) plus phonon-coupling (PC) model is applied in the analysis of E1 strength distributions in $^{208}$Pb and $^{132}$Sn, for which data on pygmy dipole resonances (PDR) have recently been reported. The covariant response theory is fully consistent: the effective nuclear interaction NL3 is used both to determine the spectrum of single-nucleon Dirac states, and as the residual interaction which determines the collective phonon states in the relativistic RPA. It is shown that the picture of the PDR as a resonant oscillation of the neutron skin again…
Intermediate energy heavy ion collisions open the unique possibility to explore the Equation of State ($EOS$) of nuclear matter far from saturation, in particular the density dependence of the symmetry energy. Within a relativistic transport model it is shown that the isovector-scalar $δ$-meson, which affects the high density behavior of the symmetry energy density, influences the dynamics of heavy ion collisions in terms of isospin collective flows. The effect is largely enhanced by a relativistic mechanism related to the covariant nature of the fields contributing to the isovector channel. R…
We study the chiral behavior of the nucleon and $Δ$-isobar masses within a manifestly covariant chiral effective-field theory, consistent with the analyticity principle. We compute the $πN$ and $πΔ$ one-loop contributions to the mass and field-renormalization constant, and find that they can be described in terms of universal relativistic loop functions, multiplied by appropriate spin, isospin and coupling constants. We show that these relativistic one-loop corrections, when properly renormalized, obey the chiral power-counting and vanish in the chiral limit. The results including only the $πN…
Adopting the density dependent relativistic mean-field (RMF) and relativistic Hartree-Fock (RHF) approaches, the properties of the nuclear fourth-order symmetry energy $S_4$ are studied within the covariant density functional (CDF) theory. It is found that the fourth-order symmetry energies are suppressed in RHF at both saturation and supranuclear densities, where the extra contribution from the Fock terms is demonstrated, specifically via the isoscalar meson-nucleon coupling channels. The reservation of $S_4$ and higher-order symmetry energies in the nuclear equation of state then affects ess…
