Physics of Finite and Infinite Nuclear Systems

3 units

Quantum mechanics of finite and infinite systems of protons and neutrons. Interaction between nucleons. Independent-particle model of nuclei and shell structure. Contrast with atomic shell model. Isospin symmetry. Information from weakly and strongly interacting probes of nuclei. Nuclear decay properties and some historical context. Many-particle description of nuclear systems. Single-particle versus collective phenomena. Properties of excited states. Bulk properties of nuclei. Nuclear and neutron matter. Role of different energy scales in determining nuclear properties: influence of long-range, short-range, and medium-induced interactions. Pairing correlations in nuclear systems. Relevance of nuclear phenomena and experiments for astrophysics and particle physics.