Pion condensation and density isomerism in nuclear matter

The possible existence of density isomers in nuclear matter, induced by pion condensation, is discussed; the nuclear equation of state is treated within the framework of the $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model. Repulsive short-range baryon-baryon correlations, the admixture of $\ensuremath{\Delta}(1232)$ isobars and finite-range pion-baryon vertex form factors are taken into account. The strong dependence of density isomerism on the high density extrapolation of the equation of state for normal nuclear matter is also investigated. We find that, once finite range pion-baryon vertices are introduced, the appearance of density isomers becomes unlikely.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Nuclear matter, pion condensation, density isomers