Relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov description of ground-state properties of Ni and Sn isotopes

The Relativistic Hartree Bogoliubov (RHB) theory is applied in the description of ground-state properties of Ni and Sn isotopes. The NL3 parameter set is used for the effective mean-field Lagrangian, and pairing correlations are described by the pairing part of the finite range Gogny interaction D1S. Fully self-consistent RHB solutions are calculated for the Ni ($28\leq N\leq 50$) and Sn ($50\leq N\leq 82$) isotopes. Binding energies, neutron separation energies, and proton and neutron $rms$ radii are compared with experimental data. The model predicts a reduction of the spin-orbit potential with the increase of the number of neutrons. The resulting energy splittings between spin-orbit partners are discussed, as well as pairing properties calculated with the finite range effective interaction in the $pp$ channel.