Reexamining the variational two-particle reduced density matrix for nuclear systems

J. G. Li, N. Michel, W. Zuo, and F. R. Xu
Phys. Rev. C 103, 064324 – Published 23 June 2021

Abstract

In most nuclear many-body methods, observables are calculated using many-body wave functions explicitly. The variational two-particle reduced density matrix method is one of the few exceptions to the rule. Ground-state energies of both closed-shell and open-shell nuclear systems can indeed be evaluated by minimizing a constrained linear functional of the two-particle reduced density matrix. However, it has virtually never been used in nuclear theory, because nuclear ground states were found to be well overbound, contrary to those of atoms and molecules. Consequently, we introduced new constraints in the nuclear variational two-particle reduced density matrix method, developed recently for atomic and molecular systems. Our calculations then show that this approach can provide a proper description of nuclear systems where only valence neutrons are included. For the nuclear systems where both neutrons and protons are active, however, the energies obtained with the variational two-particle reduced density matrix method are still overbound. The possible reasons for the noticed discrepancies and solutions to this problem will be discussed.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
2 More
  • Received 4 May 2021
  • Accepted 8 June 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.103.064324

©2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Nuclear Physics

Authors & Affiliations

J. G. Li1, N. Michel2,3, W. Zuo2,3, and F. R. Xu1,*

  • 1School of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
  • 2Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
  • 3School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China

  • *frxu@pku.edu.cn

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 103, Iss. 6 — June 2021

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
CHORUS

Article Available via CHORUS

Download Accepted Manuscript
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review C

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×