An improved single-particle basis for nuclear structure studies far from stability

A new single-particle basis is proposed for use in weakly bound nuclei far from the valley of beta stability. The basis, obtained by applying a local- scaling point transformation to the states of a harmonic oscillator potenti al, can be tailored to have the correct asymptotic properties for weakly bo und systems. We first present a test of the basis and then apply it in Hart ree-Fock-Bogolyubov calculations of the even Mg isotopes, from the proton d rip line to the neutron drip line. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".