Self-consistent continuum random phase approximation calculations of $^4$He electromagnetic responses

TL;DR

This paper presents a self-consistent continuum RPA approach to calculate the electromagnetic responses of helium-4, effectively matching experimental photon and electron scattering data by integrating Hartree-Fock ground states with finite-range interactions.

Contribution

The study introduces a self-consistent continuum RPA method for helium-4 that combines Hartree-Fock ground states with finite-range interactions, providing accurate continuum response predictions.

Findings

Good agreement with photon absorption cross sections

Accurate reproduction of electron scattering data

Effective description of continuum excitations

Abstract

We study the electromagnetic responses of $^4$He within the framework of the self-consistent continuum random phase approximation theory. In this approach the ground state properties are described by a Hartree-Fock calculation. The single particle basis constructed in this manner is used in the calculations of the continuum responses of the system. Finite-range interactions are considered in the calculations. We compare our results with photon absorption cross sections and electron scattering quasi-elastic data. From this comparison, and also from the comparison with the results of microscopic calculations, we deduce that our approach describes well the continuum excitation.