Stochastic approach to correlations beyond the mean field with the Skyrme interaction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a stochastic multi-configuration approach using the Skyrme interaction to accurately compute low-lying energy states and wave functions of the 12C nucleus, including complex excited states.

Contribution

It develops a symmetry-free, stochastic configuration mixing method with Skyrme density functional theory for detailed nuclear structure calculations.

Findings

Accurately reproduces excitation spectra and transition probabilities.

Successfully describes negative-parity states and the Hoyle state.

Wave functions are free from symmetry assumptions.

Abstract

Large-scale calculation based on the multi-configuration Skyrme density functional theory is performed for the light N=Z even-even nucleus, 12C. Stochastic procedures and the imaginary-time evolution are utilized to prepare many Slater determinants. Each state is projected on eigenstates of parity and angular momentum. Then, performing the configuration mixing calculation with the Skyrme Hamiltonian, we obtain low-lying energy-eigenstates and their explicit wave functions. The generated wave functions are completely free from any assumption and symmetry restriction. Excitation spectra and transition probabilities are well reproduced, not only for the ground-state band, but for negative-parity excited states and the Hoyle state.