MODERN NUCLEON-NUCLEON POTENTIALS AND SYMMETRY ENERGY IN INFINITE MATTER

We study the symmetry energy in infinite nuclear matter employing a no n-relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach and using various new n ucleon-nucleon (NN) potentials, which fit np and pp scattering data ve ry accurately. The potential models we employ are the recent versions of the Nijmegen group, Nijm-I, Nijm-II, and Reid93, the Argonne V-18 p otential and the CD-Bonn potential. All these potentials yield a symme try energy which increases with density, resolving a discrepancy that existed for older NN potentials. The origin of remaining differences i s discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.