Systematics of the quadrupole-quadrupole interaction and convergence properties

Our main concern in this work is to show how higher shell admixtures affect the spectrum of Q.Q interaction. We first review how, in the valence space , the Familiar SU(3) result for the energy spectrum can be obtained using a coordinate space Q.Q interaction rather than the Elliott one which is symm etric in r and p. We then reemphasize that the Elliott spectrum goes as L(L +1) where L. is the orbital angular momentum. While in many cases this is c ompatible with the rotational formula which involves I(I+1), where I is the total angular momentum, there are cases, e.g., odd-odd nuclei, where there is disagreement. Finally, we consider higher shell admixtures and devise a scheme so as to obtain results, with the Q.Q interaction, which converge a s the model spaces are increased. We consider not only ground stale rotatio nal bands but also those that involve intruder stales. (C) 1999 Academic Pr ess.