On the total binding energy of spherical nuclei

The total binding energy of nuclei is determined by means of many-body field theory. The problem is then reduced to finding the energy-dependent average potential (mass operator) and solving the single-particle equations of motion. Such a potential can be established phenomenologically by using data on low excitations and reactions knocking out nucleons from deep “hole” levels. Calculations of the total binding energy of the nuclei ¹⁶O, ⁴⁰Ca and ⁵⁸Ni with this potential are in satisfactory agreement with experiment.