Optimized binning for response function reconstruction via Chebyshev expansions

Journal article, 2025

We propose an optimized histogram binning strategy to reconstruct nuclear response functions via the Chebyshev expansion bound-state method. Our approach employs a stochastic regularization of the density of states to define adaptive, equal-area bins. Using the deuteron solved in a harmonic-oscillator basis with a chiral interaction, we benchmark on dipole and longitudinal responses, obtaining excellent agreement with exact theory and experiment. This general framework readily extends to other many-body systems and opens the door to new ab initio calculations of lepton-nucleus cross sections in medium-mass nuclei.