Model-space nuclear matter calculations with the Paris nucleon-nucleon potential

Using a model-space Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach, we have carried out nuclear matter calculations using the Paris nucleon-nucleon potential. The self-consistent single particle spectrum from this approach is continuous for momentum up to k/sub M/, where k/sub M/roughly-equal2k/sub F/ is the momentum space boundary of our chosen model space. The nuclear matter average binding energy and saturation Fermi momentum given by our calculations are approx.15.6 MeV and approx.1.56 fm-1, respectively. When using the conventional Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach with a spectrum which has a gap at k/sub F/, the corresponding results are approx.11.5 MeV and approx.1.50 fm-1. The gain of approximately 4 MeV in binding energy between the two calculations comes mainly from the 3S1 and 1S0 partial wave channels. We have investigated the effect of adding an empirical density dependent central potential to the Paris potential. It is found that the addition of such a potential whose strength is approx.10% of the central component of the Paris potential is adequate in making the nuclear matter binding energy and saturation density in simultaneous agreement with the empirical values