Effects of tensor force in covariant density functional theory

Tensor force is one of the most important components of the nucleon-nucleon interaction. It plays a critical role in understanding the shell evolution in exotic nuclei. However, there are still several puzzles concerning the tensor force and its effects in the nuclear medium. In this paper, we mainly focus on the studies of tensor force in the effective interactions and its effects in finite nuclear systems within the scheme of nuclear density functional theory. In particular, we highlight the recent developments, including the quantitative analysis of tensor effects in the relativistic Hartree-Fock theory by taking the evolution of proton magic shells in the isotopic chains as an example, and the 'meta-data' of tensor effects provided by the ab initio relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock theory by taking the evolution of spin-orbit splitting in the single-particle spectra of neutron drops as an example. Perspectives are focused on the possible strategies for the future developments of nuclear density functional theory. (authors)