Relativistic Density-Functional Theories

Abstract

This chapter introduces the relativistic density-functional theory in nuclear physics. After a brief introduction on the history, advantages, and achievements of the relativistic density-functional theory, the solution of a Dirac equation with large scalar and vector potentials, which is the most essential ingredient of relativistic density functional theories, will be provided. The relativistic density functionals based on both meson-exchange and point-coupling interactions are formulated, and the corresponding relativistic Kohn-Sham equations are discussed. The applications of the relativistic density functional theory are preluded by the σ-ω model for infinite nuclear matter, which emphasizes the basic ideas for the relativistic description of nuclear systems. The applications for finite nuclei are complemented with the nuclear landscape description by the modern relativistic density functional theory. Other interesting applications and related topics, e.g., pairing density functionals, exchange (Fock) correlations, nuclear excitations, and relativistic energy density functionals from first principle, are briefly discussed as well.