In this thesis, I discuss the use of the Auxiliary Field Diffusion Monte Carlo method to compute the ground state of nuclear Hamiltonians, and I show several applications to interesting problems both in nuclear physics and in nuclear astrophysics. In particular, the AFDMC algorithm is applied to the study of several nuclear systems, finite, and infinite matter. Results about the ground state of nuclei ( $^4$ He, $^8$ He, $^{16}$ O and $^{40}$ Ca), neutron drops (with 8 and 20 neutrons) and neutron rich-nuclei (isotopes of oxygen and calcium) are discussed, and the equation of state of nuclear and neutron matter are calculated and compared with other many-body calculations. The $^1S_0$ superfluid phase of neutron matter in the low-density regime was also studied.In this thesis, I discuss the use of the Auxiliary Field Diffusion Monte Carlo method to compute the ground state of nuclear Hamiltonians, and I show several applications to interesting problems both in nuclear physics and in nuclear astrophysics. In particular, the AFDMC algorithm is applied to the study of several nuclear systems, finite, and infinite matter. Results about the ground state of nuclei ($^4$He, $^8$He, $^{16}$O and $^{40}$Ca), neutron drops (with 8 and 20 neutrons) and neutron rich-nuclei (isotopes of oxygen and calcium) are discussed, and the equation of state of nuclear and neutron matter are calculated and compared with other many-body calculations. The $^1S_0$ superfluid phase of neutron matter in the low-density regime was also studied.

arXiv:0712.1364Dec 9, 20078 citations

A variational approach to the nuclear many-body problem

Victor J. Emery

Nuclear PhysicsMar 1, 195856 citations

Green's function Monte Carlo calculations of few nucleon systems

Brian Pudliner

Recently, a realistic nucleon-nucleon potential has been developed with the goal of accurately reproducing isospin symmetry breaking effects in the nuclear interaction. We briefly discuss the motivation for this potential, called Argonne $v\sb{18},$ as well as the Urbana models of three-nucleon interactions. Our approach for modeling the ground states of nuclear systems begins with the development of a variational wave function. We discuss the basis for our variational wave functions and the Monte Carlo techniques used to evaluate expectation values with these wave functions. To determine the exact ground state, Green's function Monte Carlo (GFMC) techniques are used. We review the method of GFMC in general and then discuss its application to the problem of nuclear ground states in some detail.Recently, a realistic nucleon-nucleon potential has been developed with the goal of accurately reproducing isospin symmetry breaking effects in the nuclear interaction. We briefly discuss the motivation for this potential, called Argonne $v\sb{18},$ as well as the Urbana models of three-nucleon interactions. Our approach for modeling the ground states of nuclear systems begins with the development of a variational wave function. We discuss the basis for our variational wave functions and the Monte Carlo techniques used to evaluate expectation values with these wave functions. To determine the exact ground state, Green's function Monte Carlo (GFMC) techniques are used. We review the method of GFMC in general and then discuss its application to the problem of nuclear ground states in some detail.

Jan 1, 19961 citation

^4

He,

^8

He,

^{16}

O and

^{40}

Ca), neutron drops (with 8 and 20 neutrons) and neutron rich-nuclei (isotopes of oxygen and calcium) are discussed, and the equation of state of nuclear and neutron matter are calculated and compared with other many-body calculations. The

^1S_0

superfluid phase of neutron matter in the low-density regime was also studied.