The symmetry energy: Predictions and constraints

Abstract

After recalling basic phenomenological features of isospin asymmetric nuclear matter, we review predictions for the interaction part of the symmetry energy obtained from different microscopic approaches. The predictions are compared to updated constraints extracted from heavy-ion (HI) reaction observables of a recent GSI experiment. The discussion is extended to the neutron skin thickness in [Formula: see text] and its relation to the density derivative of the symmetry energy. We underline the importance of giving proper consideration to the theoretical uncertainties of microscopic predictions in order to guide phenomenological analyses. In the end, we report briefly on preliminary neutron star calculations based on chiral nuclear forces and outline future plans.