FINITE-TEMPERATURE CANONICAL TREATMENTS IN THE STATIC PATH APPROXIMATION

The static path approximation to the nuclear partition function is app lied within a canonical ensemble, utilizing the saddle-point approxima tion for the finite temperature proton and neutron number projection. Results obtained with a pairing plus quadrupole interaction indicate t hat significant differences between the canonical and grand canonical distribution over the deformation parameters and gaps may arise, parti cularly in transitional nuclei like Dy-152. Comparison with effective mean field approximations is also made.