Nuclear tensor interaction in a covariant energy density functional.

The origin of the nuclear tensor interaction in the covariant energy density functional (EDF) is presented in this work, associated with the Fock diagrams of Lorentz scalar and vector couplings. With this newly obtained relativistic formalism of the nuclear tensor interaction, more distinct tensor effects are found in the Fock diagrams of the Lorentz scalar and vector couplings, as compared to the Lorentz pseudovector and tensor channels. A unified and self-consistent treatment of both the nuclear tensor and spin-orbit interactions, which dominate the spin-dependent features of the nuclear force, is then achieved by the relativistic models. Moreover, careful analysis of the tensor strengths indicates the reliability of the nuclear tensor interaction in the covariant EDF for exploring the nuclear structure, excitation, and decay modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]