Covariant density functional theory for nuclear fission based on two-center harmonic oscillator basis

TL;DR

This paper develops a high-precision, efficient covariant density functional theory (CDFT) solver based on a two-center harmonic oscillator basis, improving nuclear fission modeling for elongated configurations and dynamic processes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel CDFT framework using the TCHO basis, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in modeling large elongated nuclear configurations during fission.

Findings

More accurate potential energy surfaces for fission processes.

Optimization of fission barrier calculations by 0.2-0.3 MeV.

Improved dynamical simulation trends for fission yields.

Abstract

Nowdays, modern microscopic approaches for fission are generally based on the framework of nuclear density functional theory (DFT), which has enabled a self-consistent treatment of both static and dynamic aspects of fission. The key issue is a DFT solver with high precision and efficiency especially for the large elongated configurations. Purpose: To develope a DFT solver with high precision and efficiency based on the point coupling covariant density functional theory (CDFT), which has achieved great success in describing properties of nuclei for the whole nuclear chart. Method: We have extended the point-coupling CDFT to be based on the two-center harmonic oscillator (TCHO) basis, which matches well with the large elongated configurations during the fission process. Multi-dimensional constraint and time-dependent generator coordinate method (TDGCM) have been used to analyze the fission potential energy surface and fission dynamics, respectively. To simulate the splitting process of the nascent fragments beyond scission, we also introduce a density constraint into the new CDFT framework. Results: Illustrative calculations have been done for the PESs and induced fission dynamics of two typical examples: $^{226}$Th and $^{240}$Pu. A more reasonable PES is obtained in the new framework compared to that based on the once-center harmonic oscillator (OCHO) with the same basis space. An optimization of about $0.2\sim0.3$ MeV has been achieved for the outer fission barriers and large elongated configurations. The dynamical simulations based on TCHO basis presents a trend to improve the description for fission yields. Conclusions: The new developed CDFT solver optimizes the elongated configurations, improves the calculation efficiency, and provides a basis for large-scale multi-dimensional constraint calculations and dynamical simulations.