Relativistic Hartree–Fock model and its recent progress on the description of nuclear structure *

Abstract

Abstract Regarding the stage progress on the relativistic Hartree–Fock (RHF) model achieved recently, we review the extensive developments of the model itself, including the descriptions of axially deformed unstable nuclei and nuclear spin-isospin excitations, which shows that a complete RHF framework is now available for exploring the tensor force effects in both ground state and excited states of unstable nuclei. Meanwhile, the recent RHF descriptions of the pseudo-spin symmetry restoration and the new magicity are also reviewed. It shows that the Fock terms, particularly the ρ -tensor coupling and naturally introduced tensor force components, bring about significant improvements in maintaining the delicate in-medium balance of nuclear attractions and repulsions, and uniformly interpreting the emergence of new magicity in 52,54Ca. The revealed microscopic mechanisms not only deepen our understanding on the properties of nuclear structure, but also help to guide the further development of the effective nuclear force.