From bare two-nucleon interaction to nuclear matter and finite nuclei in a relativistic framework

Abstract

Understanding nuclear forces, infinite nuclear matter, and finite nuclei within a unified framework has remained a central challenge in nuclear physics for decades. While most \textit{ab initio} studies employ nonrelativistic Schr\"odinger-equation frameworks, this work offers a relativistic perspective. Using a leading-order (LO) relativistic chiral interaction, we describe two-nucleon scattering via the Thompson equation, symmetric nuclear matter, and medium-mass nuclei (Ca, Ni, Zr, Sn) via the relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory. Systematic uncertainties from regulator cutoffs and interaction parameters are analyzed. The empirical saturation region of nuclear matter is reproduced, and the binding energies and charge radii of medium-mass nuclei agree reasonably well with experimental data, significantly improving the ``Coester line". These results highlight that the relativistic approach, employing a leading-order chiral force with only four low-energy constants and no three-nucleon forces, can capture the most important dynamics and offer a complementary pathway to address longstanding challenges in nuclear \textit{ab initio} studies.