Sensitivity of elements of the symmetry energy of nuclear matter to the properties of neutron-rich systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the symmetry energy components of nuclear matter are influenced by properties of neutron-rich systems, using a relativistic mean field model to refine parameter bounds and reduce uncertainties.

Contribution

It introduces a sensitivity analysis linking neutron-rich system properties to symmetry energy parameters, improving parameter constraints within a relativistic mean field framework.

Findings

Extreme neutron-rich systems significantly constrain symmetry energy parameters.

Sensitivity matrix highlights key properties affecting symmetry energy uncertainties.

Results extend across a wide density range, informing nuclear matter models.

Abstract

The sensitivity of nuclear symmetry energy elements at the saturation density to the binding energies of ultra neutron-rich nuclei (neutron to proton ratio $\sim$ 2) and the maximum mass of neutron star is explored within a relativistic mean field model. Values of the interaction parameters governing the isovector strengths and the symmetry elements are determined in tighter bounds. Assessments based on the sensitivity matrix reveal that the properties of extreme neutron-rich systems play a predominant role in narrowing down the uncertainties in the various symmetry energy parameters. The calculations are extended over a wide range of nuclear matter density and the results are discussed.