Cutting DNA: Mechanics of the topoisomerase

The framework of relativistic self-consistent mean-field models is extended to include correlations related to restoration of broken symmetries and to fluctuations of collective variables. The generator coordinate method is used to perform configuration mixing of angular-momentum and particle-number projected relativistic wave functions. The model, currently restricted to axially symmetric shapes, employs a relativistic point-coupling (contact) nucleon-nucleon effective interaction in the particle-hole channel, and a δ-interaction in the pairing channel. Both bulk and spectroscopic nuclear properties are explored.