The core quantum system
Physics of the atomic nucleus

The nucleus is an extremely small, tightly bound system with a quantum description. Its study is an example of the old n-body problem common to several disciplines of physics: here, the A nucleons, protons and neutrons, subject to strong and electromagnetic interactions. To find the different stationary quantum states (ground state and excited states) in which this system can exist is to solve Schrödinger's equation: $\mathit{H\Phi }=\mathit{E\Phi }$

In this expression, Φ represents the spatial wave function that describes the nucleus in the E energy state. The...