Self-consistent hartree description of finite nuclei in a relativistic quantum field theory

Relativistic Hartree equations for spherical nuclei are derived from a relativistic nuclear quantum field theory using a coordinate-space Green function approach. The renormalizable field theory lagrangian includes the interaction of nucleons with σ, ω, ρ and π mesons and the photon. The Hartree equations represent the "mean-field" approximation for a finite nuclear system. Coupling constants and the σ-meson mass are determined from the properties of nuclear matter and the rms charge radius in ⁴⁰Ca, and pionic contributions are absent for static, closed-shell nuclei. Calculated charge densities, neutron densities, rms radii, and single-nucleon energy levels throughout the periodic table are compared with data and with results of non-relativistic calculations. Relativistic Hartree results agree with experiment at a level comparable to that of the most sophisticated non-relativistic calculations to date. It is shown that the Lorentz covariance of the relativistic formalism leads naturally to density-dependent interactions between nucleons. Furthermore, non-relativistic reduction reveals non-central and non-local aspects inherent in the Hartree formalism. The success of this simple relativistic Hartree approach is attributed to these features of the interaction.