Relativistic Mean-Field Theory and Nuclear Deformation

Abstract

Relativistic mean-field theory is used to describe ground-state deformations of nuclei. The relativistic Hartree equations are solved by expansion of the nucleon wave functions and the meson field in a harmonic-oscillator basis. Using parameters adjusted in spherical nuclei we find in axially symmetric deformed nuclei good agreement with conventional nonrelativistic calculations based on density-dependent Skyrme forces.