Self-consistent random-phase approximation at finite temperature within the Richardson model

Abstract

The self-consistent random-phase approximation (SCRPA) is extended to nonzero temperature. Within the SCRPA, the collective dynamics of nucleon pairs is built on the occupation numbers that deviate from the Fermi-Dirac distribution as a result of temperature-dependent correlations beyond the RPA. The equations for single-particle occupation numbers are derived using the method of the double-time Green's functions. The approach is applied to the Richardson model of pairing. The results of numerical calculations for energies of states and occupation numbers, as well as for the thermodynamic quantities such as the excitation energy and heat capacity of the system, are compared with those obtained within the conventional RPA and the perturbative thermal SCRPA and with the exact results. We find that, overall, the SCRPA offers a better agreement with the exact results.