| We present a microscopic calculation of the properties of nuclear matter in the case of unequal densities of protons and neutrons. Under this condition, we speak of asymmetric nuclear matter.; We employ realistic nucleon-nucleon forces and operate within the Dirac-Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach, which is a relativistic framework. We perform a self-consistent calculation of the (momentum-space) G-matrix and the single-particle potential for neutrons and protons, which properly accounts for the asymmetry between their densities. This will naturally merge into the development of an effective interaction suitable for applications to scattering on asymmetric nuclei, which will be the object of extensive future experimental study at radioactive beam facilities.; In the second part of this work, we concentrate on the bulk properties of finite nuclei. We make predictions for energies, proton and neutron density distributions, and neutron skins of selected closed-shell nuclei based upon the asymmetric nuclear matter calculation developed in the first part. We compare with experimental information, when available, and point out the need for improved knowledge of matter distribution inside neutron-rich nuclei. This will require more accurate determinations of neutron densities and skins. Some of these measurements have already been proposed and are likely to take place in the near future. |
