LEVEL DENSITY PARAMETER IN RELATIVISTIC MODELS

The level density parameter for finite nuclei is studied in the framew ork of the relativistic mean field theory. Systematic self-consistent calculations are performed in the Thomas-Fermi approximation using sig ma-omega models that include scalar meson self-couplings. For realisti c nuclear matter properties, the level density parameter turns out to be in the range of values obtained in non-relativistic calculations wi th Skyrme interactions, and thus it is smaller than the global trend o f the experimental data. The implications for the level density parame ter of including vacuum fluctuations and exchange corrections in the m ean field theory are also investigated.