Spin-orbit coupling and properties of the nuclear surface

Abstract

The influence of one-body spin-orbit forces — linear in spin and momentum — on nuclear surface properties is investigated. The single-particle model for semi-infinite nuclear matter bounded by an infinite barrier is assumed. The variations of the nuclear density and of the nuclear surface tension caused by the inclusion of spin-orbit terms are extracted. It is shown that a polarization of the surface arises as particles of one spin orientation are accumulated at the outer part of the surface. The surface energy coefficient increases by an amount of several MeV if a spin-orbit term of reasonable strength, as given by optical potential fits, is added. The spin-orbit potential may produce single-particle states which are localized at the nuclear surface. The importance of such states is pointed out.