C. J. Horowitz

Self-consistent hartree description of finite nuclei in a relativistic quantum field theory

Abstract Relativistic Hartree equations for spherical nuclei are derived from a relativistic nuclear quantum field theory using a coordinate-space Green function approach. The renormalizable field theory lagrangian includes the interaction of nucleons with σ, ω, ρ and π mesons and the photon. The Hartree equations represent the “mean-field” approximation for a finite nuclear system. Coupling constants and the σ-meson mass are determined from the properties of nuclear matter and the rms charge radius in 40Ca, and pionic contributions are absent for static, closed-shell nuclei. Calculated charge densities, neutron densities, rms radii, and single-nucleon energy levels throughout the periodic table are compared with data and with results of non-relativistic calculations. Relativistic Hartree results agree with experiment at a level comparable to that of the most sophisticated non-relativistic calculations to date. It is shown that the Lorentz covariance of the relativistic formalism leads naturally to density-dependent interactions between nucleons. Furthermore, non-relativistic reduction reveals non-central and non-local aspects inherent in the Hartree formalism. The success of this simple relativistic Hartree approach is attributed to these features of the interaction.

Neutron Star Structure and the Neutron Radius of 208Pb

We study relationships between the neutron-rich skin of a heavy nucleus and the properties of neutron-star crusts. Relativistic effective field theories with a thicker neutron skin in 208Pb have a larger electron fraction and a lower liquid-to-solid transition density for neutron-rich matter. These properties are determined by the density dependence of the symmetry energy which we vary by adding nonlinear couplings between isoscalar and isovector mesons. An accurate measurement of the neutron radius in 208Pb-via parity violating electron scattering-may have important implications for the structure of the crust of neutron stars.

Constraints on the symmetry energy and neutron skins from experiments and theory

The symmetry energy contribution to the nuclear equation of state impacts various phenomena in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and nuclear reactions. Its determination is a key objective of contemporary nuclear physics, with consequences for the understanding of dense matter within neutron stars. We examine the results of laboratory experiments that have provided initial constraints on the nuclear symmetry energy and on its density dependence at and somewhat below normal nuclear matter density. Even though some of these constraints have been derived from properties of nuclei while others have been derived from the nuclear response to electroweak and hadronic probes, within experimental uncertainties-they are consistent with each other. We also examine the most frequently used theoretical models that predict the symmetry energy and its slope parameter. By comparing existing constraints on the symmetry pressure to theories, we demonstrate how contributions of three-body forces, which are essential ingredients in neutron matter models, can be determined.

Parity Violating Measurements of Neutron Densities

Parity violating electron nucleus scattering is a clean and powerful tool for measuring the spatial distributions of neutrons in nuclei with unprecedented accuracy. Parity violation arises from the interference of electromagnetic and weak neutral amplitudes, and the

Breaking strain of neutron star crust and gravitational waves.

{Z}^{0}

Weak magnetism for antineutrinos in supernovae

of the standard model couples primarily to neutrons at low

Total cross section for p+p→p+p+π0 close to threshold

{Q}^{2}.

Neutrino - pasta scattering: The Opacity of nonuniform neutron - rich matter

The data can be interpreted with as much confidence as electromagnetic scattering. After briefly reviewing the present theoretical and experimental knowledge of neutron densities, we discuss possible parity violation measurements, their theoretical interpretation, and applications. The experiments are feasible at existing facilities. We show that theoretical corrections are either small or well understood, which makes the interpretation clean. The quantitative relationship to atomic parity nonconservation observables is examined, and we show that the electron scattering asymmetries can be directly applied to atomic parity nonconservation because the observables have approximately the same dependence on nuclear shape.

A way forward in the study of the symmetry energy: experiment, theory, and observation

Mountains on rapidly rotating neutron stars efficiently radiate gravitational waves. The maximum possible size of these mountains depends on the breaking strain of the neutron star crust. With multimillion ion molecular dynamics simulations of Coulomb solids representing the crust, we show that the breaking strain of pure single crystals is very large and that impurities, defects, and grain boundaries only modestly reduce the breaking strain to around 0.1. Because of the collective behavior of the ions during failure found in our simulations, the neutron star crust is likely very strong and can support mountains large enough so that their gravitational wave radiation could limit the spin periods of some stars and might be detectable in large-scale interferometers. Furthermore, our microscopic modeling of neutron star crust material can help analyze mechanisms relevant in magnetar giant flares and microflares.

Cluster Formation and The Virial Equation of State of Low-Density Nuclear Matter

Weak magnetism increases antineutrino mean free paths in core collapse supernovae. The parity violating interference between axial vector and vector currents makes antineutrino-nucleon cross sections smaller than those for neutrinos. We calculate simple, exact correction factors to include recoil and weak magnetism in supernova simulations. Weak magnetism may significantly increase the neutrino energy flux. We calculate, in a diffusion approximation, an increase of order 15% in the total energy flux for temperatures near 10 MeV. This should raise the neutrino luminosity. Weak magnetism also changes the emitted spectrum of