Nuclear matter equation of state including few-nucleon correlations $(A\leq 4)$

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum statistical model for light nuclei in nuclear matter, incorporating medium effects and continuum correlations to improve the equation of state for warm dense matter relevant in astrophysics.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive approach that includes continuum correlations and medium modifications for light clusters in nuclear matter, extending previous models.

Findings

Accurately describes light cluster properties in dense matter.

Quantifies the impact of continuum correlations on the equation of state.

Provides a framework applicable to astrophysical and nuclear physics scenarios.

Abstract

Light clusters (mass number $A \leq 4$) in nuclear matter at subsaturation densities are described using a quantum statistical approach. In addition to self-energy and Pauli-blocking, effects of continuum correlations are taken into account to calculate the quasiparticle properties and abundances of light elements. Medium-modified quasiparticle properties are important ingredients to derive a nuclear matter equation of state applicable in the entire region of warm dense matter below saturation density. Moreover, the contribution of continuum states to the equation of state is considered. The effect of correlations within the nuclear medium on the quasiparticle energies is estimated. The properties of light clusters and continuum correlations in dense matter are of interest for nuclear structure calculations, heavy ion collisions, and for astrophysical applications such as the formation of neutron stars in core-collapse supernovae.