Finite nuclear size and vacuum polarization in heavy atoms

Abstract

Abstract The effect of finite nuclear size R on the induced-charge density is discussed. A simple analytical expression for the corresponding variation δϱ fs ( r ) is obtained at distances much larger than R . The expression is exact with respect to the nuclear charge. The dependence of δϱ fs ( r ) on the charge density distribution inside the nucleus is investigated. The consideration is based on the use of the electron Green function in the Coulomb field.