A generalized Helm model for nuclear charge densities

Abstract

A generalized Helm model for the nuclear charge density is introduced, which is capable of providing a “model-independent” fit to elastic-electron-scattering data. The model, which is related to the leptodermous picture of the nucleus, is illustrated by fitting the form factors of representative nuclei 40Ca, 58Ni, 124Sn and 208Pb as deduced from previous analyses. The proton number density for the above nuclei is also obtained from their charge densities and its dependence on the size of the proton inside the nuclear medium is considered.