A self-consistent method for evaluation of mass parameters is presented in the framework of the adiabatic limit of the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation, reduced to a single collective variable. The corresponding collective path is assumed to be given either by solving a constrained Hartree-Fock problem with a given time-even constraining operator
Q, or by scaling a static Hartree-Fock equilibrium solution. In the former case, once the path is given, a method for solving the equation of motion (of the Hamilton type) is provided, which reduces to a double-constrained Hartree-Fock problem with the time-even constraint
Q and with a time-odd constraining operator
P. In the case of the scaling path, an analytical solution of the Hamilton equation is discussed and the adiabatic mass for the particular case of an isoscalar quadrupole
Q20 mode is given. The operator
P, which is uniquely determined from the knowledge of
Q, has the physical meaning of a momentum operator; it satisfies, together with
Q, a weak quantal conjugation relation. Finally, the connection between the two paths is discussed in terms of generalized random-phase approximation sum rules.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Evaluation of mass parameters within time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation in adiabatic limit for single collective variable motion. Discussion and comparison of constrained Hartree-Fock and scaling paths. Expression as a doubly constrained Hartree-Fock problem with momentum operator uniquely defined from coordinate operator. Connection with sum rule and Inglis cranking approaches.
A classical theory of large amplitude, adiabatic collective motion, developed and applied previously to test examples, is transcribed into the language of time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory in order to initiate the application of the new method to problems in nuclear physics. The formulation which emerges can be characterized as a generalized cranking theory, in the sense that the cranking operator cannot be chosen arbitrarily, as in the conventional formulation of this method, but is instead fully constrained by the formalism. A procedure for obtaining approximate solutions to the new equations is described and illustrated with several simplified many-body models. It is inferred that traditional cranking calculations can serve as starting points for more realistic models. This paper also includes additional discussion concerning the calculation of collective masses and the problem of local stability of collective motion, not covered in our previous work.
The starting point for most studies of large amplitude collective motion in nuclear physics, the time-dependent Hartree-Fock equations, can be mapped to a problem in classical Hamiltonian mechanics, which is the form of the problem studied in this work. For a system with N degrees of freedom, collective motion is identified with motion completely confined to a surface in K<N dimensions. Conditions for the existence of such decoupled surfaces are worked out and a procedure for constructing them is formulated. For most practical problems, where such surfaces do not strictly exist, a concept of approximate decoupling is developed and a test of its accuracy is described. Our results generalize the method of maximum global decoupling found in the earlier literature.
Working within a time-dependent Hartree-Fock framework, one develops a semiclassical approximation appropriate for large systems. It is demonstrated that the standard semiclassical approach, the Thomas-Fermi approximation, is inconsistent with Hartree-Fock theory when the basic two-body interaction is short-ranged (as in nuclear systems, for example). However, by introducing a simple extension of the Thomas-Fermi approximation, one overcomes this problem. One also discusses the infinite nuclear matter problem and point out that time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory yields collective modes of the zero sound variety instead of ordinary hydrodynamic (first) sound. One thus emphasizes that one should be extremely circumspect when attempting to cast the equations of motion of time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory into a hydrodynamic-like form.
We formulate the nuclear collective tunneling transition from one Hartree state to another, consistently with the Hartree states. A Hamiltonian effective for the collective tunneling as well as for Hartree states is obtained with the parameters determined by the Hartree calculations. A real-time description for the tunneling is proposed. It is shown that a nuclear system governed by the Hamiltonian symmetric between two Hartree states collectively tunnels back and forth between the two states owing to the residual interaction, so that the system makes harmonic tunneling oscillations. While a crowd of quantum fluctuations coherently shifts back and forth in phase with the tunneling oscillations of the center of mass of two wave packets, the symmetric nuclear system retains the energy for the harmonic tunneling oscillations. The collective tunneling transitions are analyzed in an adiabatic approximation.