Optimized delta expansion for relativistic nuclear models

Abstract

The optimized $δ$-expansion is a nonperturbative approach for field theoretic models which combines the techniques of perturbation theory and the variational principle. This technique is discussed in the $λϕ^4$ model and then implemented in the Walecka model for the equation of state of nuclear matter. The results obtained with the $δ$ expansion are compared with those obtained with the traditional mean field, relativistic Hartree and Hartree-Fock approximations.

22 pages Latex, 3 ps figures, to appear in Z. Phys. A