Nuclear collective excitations: A relativistic density functional approach

Density functional theory provides the most promising, and likely unique, microscopic framework to describe nuclear systems ranging from finite nuclei to neutron stars. Properly optimized energy density functionals define a new paradigm in nuclear theory where predictive capability is possible and uncertainty quantification is demanded. Moreover, density functional theory offers a consistent approach to the linear response of the nuclear ground state. In this paper, we review the fundamental role played by nuclear collective modes in uncovering novel excitations and in guiding the optimization of the density functional. Indeed, without collective excitations the determination of the density functional remains incomplete. Without collective excitations, the equation of state of neutron-rich matter continues to be poorly constrained. We conclude with a discussion of some of the remaining challenges in this field and propose a path forward to address these challenges. (author)