The ab initio No-Core Shell Model and Light Nuclei

Journal article, 2011

The ab initio no-core shell model (NCSM) is a well-established theoretical framework aimed at an exact description of nuclear structure starting from high-precision interactions between the nucleons. In the NCSM we consider a system of A point-like, non-relativistic nucleons that interact by realistic inter-nucleon interactions. We consider two-nucleon interactions that reproduce nucleon-nucleon phase shifts with high precision, typically up to 350 MeV lab energy. We can also include three-nucleon interactions with terms, e.g., related to two-pion exchanges with an intermediate delta excitation. Both semi-phenomenological potentials, based on meson-exchange models, as well as modern chiral interactions can be considered. The performance of the NCSM within nuclear physics will be exemplified by showing results from studies of light nuclei. Major challenges in the future development of the method will be outlined.