Scalar field and QCD constraints in Nuclear Physics

TL;DR

This paper explores the connection between scalar fields in nuclear matter and QCD constraints, using the linear sigma model and lattice QCD data to improve understanding of nuclear saturation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach linking the scalar nuclear field to QCD scalar susceptibility, constraining nuclear models with lattice QCD results.

Findings

Successful description of nuclear saturation properties

Relation between scalar potential and QCD scalar susceptibility

Use of lattice QCD data to constrain nuclear models

Abstract

Relativistic theories of nuclear matter are discussed in a new pespective. First the chiral character of the scalar nuclear field is introduced in the framework of the linear sigma model. With the assumption that the nucleon mass originates in part from the coupling to the quark condensate it is possible to relate the optical potential for the propagation of the scalar field to the QCD scalar susceptibility of the nucleon, on which indications exist from the lattice evolution of the nucleon mass with the quark mass. Constraining the parameters of the nuclear scalar potential by the lattice expansion parameters a successful description of the nuclear saturation properties can be reached.