Nuclear theory sits at the fascinating intersection of particle physics and the forces that hold our universe together. This field explores how protons and neutrons bind inside atomic nuclei, seeking to understand the fundamental interactions that govern matter at its most dense and energetic levels. While the mathematics involved can be incredibly complex, the core questions are deeply human: how does the universe function at its smallest scales, and what happens when we push matter to its limits?

At Gist.Science, we make these cutting-edge discoveries accessible by processing every new preprint published in this category on arXiv. Our team transforms dense academic manuscripts into clear, plain-language summaries alongside detailed technical overviews, ensuring that both experts and curious readers can grasp the latest breakthroughs without getting lost in the jargon. Below are the latest papers in nuclear theory, distilled and ready for you to explore.

⚛️ nuclear theory

Transport coefficients of strongly interacting quark-gluon plasma including elastic and inelastic scattering within the dynamical quasiparticle model

This study extends the dynamical quasiparticle model to include inelastic gluon-radiation processes, finding that while these radiative channels systematically reduce transport coefficients like shear viscosity and electric conductivity compared to elastic-only results, the effect remains moderate in the thermal regime and yields predictions compatible with lattice-QCD estimates at zero baryon chemical potential.

Gaia Ingrosso, Olga Soloveva, Ilia Grishmanovskii, Elena Bratkovskaya2026-06-12
⚛️ nuclear theory

Classification of Compact Stars via Machine Learning and Neural Network Models

This paper demonstrates that machine learning and deep learning models can accurately classify compact stars as neutron stars or quark stars based on observable macroscopic properties like mass, radius, and tidal deformability, offering a promising tool for probing dense matter composition while noting the need for further validation with hybrid and exotic matter scenarios.

D. Neraki, G. Koufetidis, I. Stergakis, Th. Diakonidis, Ch. C. Moustakidis2026-06-12
⚛️ nuclear theory

Observable Dependence of Viscous Corrections in QGP: Heavy Quarks and Dileptons in Chapman--Enskog Theory

This paper presents the first calculation of heavy quark transport and thermal dilepton production in a QGP using second-order viscous corrections derived from the Chapman-Enskog expansion, revealing that these corrections significantly suppress drag forces and enhance early-time dilepton yields while demonstrating that observable modifications depend on the complex interplay between correction magnitude, momentum dependence, and the specific momentum weighting of each observable.

Lakshmi J. Naik, P. Parvathi, Nachiketa Sarkar, V. Sreekanth2026-06-12
⚛️ lattice

Phase diagram of the single-flavor Gross--Neveu--Wilson model from the Grassmann corner transfer matrix renormalization group

This study utilizes the Grassmann corner transfer matrix renormalization group to map the phase diagram of the single-flavor Gross–Neveu–Wilson model, revealing that the Aoki phase is separated by c=1/2c=1/2 critical lines and does not persist in the strong-coupling regime, while topological and trivial phases are distinguished by c=1c=1 critical lines.

Jian-Gang Kong, Shinichiro Akiyama, Tao Shi, Z. Y. Xie2026-06-11
⚛️ nuclear experiments

Polarized Nuclear DVCS at the EIC

This paper presents a model for coherent Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering on polarized 3^3He at the Electron-Ion Collider, demonstrating that early data will precisely constrain the unpolarized Compton Form Factor while requiring significantly higher luminosities to meaningfully constrain the polarized component, alongside an analysis of the necessary far-forward detector capabilities for tagging intact nuclei.

Jackson R. Pybus, Xuan Li, Liliet Calero-Diaz2026-06-11
⚛️ nuclear theory

Bound State Solutions of the Relativistic Finite-difference Equation for the Ring-shaped Quesne Oscillator Potential

This paper presents an exact solution to the relativistic finite-difference equation for the three-dimensional ring-shaped Quesne oscillator potential, deriving discrete energy spectra and wavefunctions expressed via continuous dual Hahn and Jacobi polynomials while establishing an SU(1,1) dynamical symmetry group for an algebraic determination of the spectrum.

Sh. M. Nagiyev, Narmin Nasibova, V. A. Tarverdiyeva, G. H. Guliyeva2026-06-11✓ Author reviewed ⓘ
⚛️ nuclear theory

Saturation of Nuclear Binding from Lattice Hamiltonians

This paper resolves a conundrum regarding nuclear binding by demonstrating through Hartree-Fock variational upper bounds that while lattice Hamiltonians with only two-nucleon potentials fail to accurately describe nuclear saturation compared to previous Monte Carlo results, those including three-nucleon potentials achieve constant binding energy per nucleon primarily due to the dense packing inherent to the lattice discretization rather than repulsive interactions.

Maxwell Rothman, Gaute Hagen, Matthias Heinz, Thomas Papenbrock2026-06-11