Ab initio computations of atomic nuclei

TL;DR

This paper reviews ab initio computational methods for atomic nuclei, highlighting how Hamiltonians from quantum chromodynamics enable accurate predictions of nuclear properties across a range of elements.

Contribution

It explains the core ideas and methods behind Hamiltonians derived from effective field theories used in nuclear ab initio calculations.

Findings

Successful prediction of properties of medium-heavy nuclei

Extension of ab initio methods to heavy nuclei like $^{208}$Pb

Clarification of the theoretical foundations of nuclear Hamiltonians

Abstract

Ab initio computations of atomic nuclei, based on Hamiltonians from effective field theories of quantum chromodynamics, are now routinely used to predict and describe properties of medium heavy nuclei, and even the heavy nucleus $^{208}$Pb has been reached. These lecture notes describe what are the central ideas and concepts behind the Hamiltonians and some of the methods that have enabled this progress.