Nuclear-matter properties based on a relativistic model of the nucleon-nucleon interaction

Saturation properties of nuclear matter are determined within a Dirac-Brueckner approach. Relativistic covariance is implemented by constructing the complete representation of the nucleon-nucleon amplitude in the Dirac space. As a dynamical model the relativistic one-boson-exchange model is used, including also the negative-energy-state components. A consistent treatment is discussed of nucleon propagation in the nuclear medium. The compressibility obtained for symmetric matter is rather low as compared to other calculations and more in agreement with the value suggested by astrophysical studies.