Microscopic studies in neutron-rich matter

Microscopic calculations of nuclear matter properties with unequal densities of protons and neutrons are discussed. We employ realistic two-body forces and the Dirac-Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach. Results are compared with recent experimental constraints on the high-density behaviour of the equation of state. Predictions for energies, proton and neutron r.m.s. radii, and neutron skins of some closed-shell nuclei are also presented. These are based upon our equation of state for asymmetric matter which is used as input for an energy functional. We compare with experimental information, when available, and point out the need for accurate determinations of neutron densities and skins.