Caloric Curve for Finite Nuclei in Thomas-Fermi Theory

Abstract

In a finite temperature Thomas-Fermi theory with realistic nuclear interactions, we construct caloric curves for finite nuclei enclosed in a sphere of about $4-8$ times the normal nuclear volume. The specific heat capacity $C_v$ shows a peaked structure that is possibly indicative of a liquid-gas phase transition in finite nuclear systems.

Comments: 16 pages, Revtex, figures included, version to appear in Phys. Rev. C, (Rapid Comm.)