A02 “Probing the Origin of Elements and Properties of High-Density Nuclear Matter through Refined Density Functional Theory”

Principle Investigator:

Kenichi Yoshida

(Theoretical Nuclear Physics Division, Research Center for Nuclear Physics, The University of Osaka, Associate Professor)

We aim to develop a suite of density functional theory (DFT) computational codes that will form the foundation for exploring quantum matter science in the universe. To achieve high precision  for systems with large mass numbers, we will construct an energy density functional that reproduces the masses and density distributions of nuclei with mass numbers ranging from approximately 10 to 40 provided by Group A01.

In collaboration with Group A03, we will also develop a DFT computational framework based on real-space methods, optimized for large-scale massively parallel and GPU-based computations. This framework will be capable of describing the structure of heavy neutron-rich nuclei and neutron stars.

By comparing the numerical results obtained with the developed codes to experimental data provided by Groups B02 and B03, we will verify the accuracy of the energy density functional. This will allow us to quantitatively understand the mechanisms of heavy-elements synthesis  (r-process) and the structure of high-density matter including hyperons.

A notable feature of the DFT framework constructed here is its applicability to physical systems containing various types of particles. In this context, we will collaborate with Group B01 to develop a DFT approach for molecular systems that explicitly includes protons and electrons, thereby contributing to the understanding of quantum effects of protons.