Quantum Size Effects in Classical Hadrodynamics

Abstract

We discuss future directions in the development of classical hadrodynamics for extended nucleons, corresponding to nucleons of finite size interacting with massive meson fields. This new theory provides a natural covariant microscopic approach to relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions that includes automatically spacetime nonlocality and retardation, nonequilibrium phenomena, interactions among all nucleons, and particle production. The present version of our theory includes only the neutral scalar ($σ$) and neutral vector ($ω$) meson fields. In the future, additional isovector pseudoscalar ($π^+$,~$π^-$,~$π^0$), isovector vector ($ρ^+$,~$ρ^-$,~$ρ^0$), and neutral pseudoscalar ($η$) meson fields should be incorporated. Quantum size effects should be included in the equations of motion by use of the spreading function of Moniz and Sharp, which generates an effective nucleon mass density smeared out over a Compton wavelength. However, unlike the situation in electrodynamics, the Compton wavelength of the nucleon is small compared to its radius, so that effects due to the intrinsic size of the nucleon dominate.