Mean field theories and exotic nuclei

ThéorieInternational audienceA general description of mean field theories is made in view of their use for the description of static and dynamical properties of exotic nuclei. Some pertinent examples of new physics appearing far from stability are presented such as quenching of shell effects around the neutron drip line as well as the effect of the continuum in Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov formalism when the Fermi energy goes to zero. We also focus on the effective forces adjusted to investigate nuclear medium in these particular extreme conditions. Some perspectives of new theoretical developments are suggested in order to guarantee the reliability of future predictions in this new field of physics. (C) 2003 Academie des sciences. Published by Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved