Sensitivity of elements of the symmetry energy of nuclear matter to the properties of neutron-rich systems

Abstract

The sensitivity of nuclear symmetry energy elements at the saturation density to the binding energies of ultra neutron-rich nuclei (neutron to proton ratio $\sim$ 2) and the maximum mass of neutron star is explored within a relativistic mean field model. Values of the interaction parameters governing the isovector strengths and the symmetry elements are determined in tighter bounds. Assessments based on the sensitivity matrix reveal that the properties of extreme neutron-rich systems play a predominant role in narrowing down the uncertainties in the various symmetry energy parameters. The calculations are extended over a wide range of nuclear matter density and the results are discussed.