Covariant density functional theory studies of exotic nuclei*

Covariant density functional theory (CDFT) is one of the modern theoretical tools for the description of finite nuclei and neutron stars. Its performance is defined by underlying covariant energy density functionals (CEDFs) with a few parameters adjusted to the properties of finite nuclei and nuclear matter. To give an overview of CDFT, I will highlight some of its basic features and main challenges. Following that, a potential effort to improve the performance of CEDFs will be addressed [1]. A new anchor-based optimization method has been proposed and has shown significant improvements in the description of physical observables [2].

A discussion of modern applications of CDFT models in the description of exotic nuclei will follow. A systematic investigation of the ground state and fission properties of even-even actinides and superheavy nuclei with proton numbers $Z = 90-120$ located between the two-proton and two-neutron drip lines has been performed with proper assessment of systematic theoretical uncertainties [3,4]. These results provide necessary theoretical input for the modeling of the nuclear astrophysical r-process taking place in the mergers of neutron stars. The final part of my presentation will deal with the extension of the nuclear landscape to hyperheavy $(Z > 126)$ nuclei. The nuclear landscape is substantially increased by the transition from ellipsoid-like nuclear shapes to toroidal ones in the region of hyperheavy nuclei [5].