Spin density matrices for nuclear density functionals with parity violations

TL;DR

This paper explores the application of spin density matrices in nuclear density functional theory, highlighting how parity violation influences the vector component and introduces a 'hedgehog' configuration.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of parity violation effects on the spin density matrix within nuclear density functional theory, a novel perspective from atomic physics applications.

Findings

Parity violation induces a 'hedgehog' configuration in the SDM.

The vector part of the SDM is non-zero only with parity violation.

Provides a framework for analyzing parity violation effects in nuclear systems.

Abstract

The spin density matrix (SDM) used in atomic and molecular physics is revisited for nuclear physics, in the context of the radial density functional theory. The vector part of the SDM defines a "hedgehog" situation, which exists only if nuclear states contain some amount of parity violation.