Quark-meson coupling model for finite nuclei

A quark-meson coupling (QMC) model is extended to finite nuclei in the relativistic mean-field or Hartree approximation. The ultrarelativistic quarks are assumed to be bound in nonoverlapping nucleon bags, and the interaction between nucleons arises from a coupling of vector and scalar meson fields to the quarks. We develop a perturbative scheme for treating the spatial nonuniformity of the meson fields over the volume of the nucleon as well as the nucleus. Results of calculations for spherical nuclei are given, based on a fit to the equilibrium properties of nuclear matter. Several possible extensions of the model are also considered.