Symmetry energy in nuclear density functional theory

TL;DR

This paper reviews the role of symmetry energy in nuclear density functional theory, comparing non-relativistic and relativistic models, analyzing key observables, and discussing constraints and future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive comparison of symmetry energy in different density functional frameworks and explores correlations with experimental observables.

Findings

Constraints on symmetry energy parameters derived from data

Correlations between observables and symmetry-energy parameters identified

Future experimental prospects for symmetry energy research outlined

Abstract

The nuclear symmetry energy represents a response to the neutron-proton asymmetry. In this survey we discuss various aspects of symmetry energy in the framework of nuclear density functional theory, considering both non-relativistic and relativistic self-consistent mean-field realizations side-by-side. Key observables pertaining to bulk nucleonic matter and finite nuclei are reviewed. Constraints on the symmetry energy and correlations between observables and symmetry-energy parameters, using statistical covariance analysis, are investigated. Perspectives for future work are outlined in the context of ongoing experimental efforts.