Microscopic description of quantum phase transitions in nuclei

Abstract

Covariant Density functional theory is used as a basis for calculations of the spectra of low-lying collective nuclear excitations. In this way it provides a microscopic description of quantum phase transitions in nuclei. Since the mean field approximation breaks down in transitional nuclei, a theory is developed which uses the Relativistic Generator Coordinate Method (GCM) to perform configuration mixing calculations of angular momentum and particle number projected wave functions. As applications with show 3D-calculations of the spectrum of low-lying collective states in the nucleus 24Mg and a microscopic investigation of quantum phase transitions in transitional nuclei.