Empirical proton-neutron interactions and nuclear density functional theory: global, regional, and local comparisons

Phys Rev Lett. 2007 Mar 30;98(13):132502. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.132502. Epub 2007 Mar 27.

Abstract

Calculations of nuclear masses, using nuclear density functional theory, are presented for even-even nuclei spanning the nuclear chart. The resulting binding energy differences can be interpreted in terms of valence proton-neutron interactions. These are compared globally, regionally, and locally with empirical values. Overall, excellent agreement is obtained. Discrepancies highlight neglected degrees of freedom and can point to improved density functionals.