The odd-even staggerings (OESs) on nuclear binding energies are studied systematically within the spherical covariant density functional (CDF) theories, specifically the relativistic Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (RHFB) and the relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov (RHB) theories. When taking the finite-range Gogny force D1S as an effective pairing interaction, both CDF models can provide appropriate descriptions on the OESs of nuclear binding energies for C, O, Ca, Ni, Zr, Sn, Ce, Gd, and Pb isotopes as well as for $N=50$ and 82 isotones. While there still exist some systematical discrepancies from the data, i.e., the underestimated OESs in light C and O isotopes and the overestimated ones in heavy regions, respectively, such discrepancies can be eliminated partially by introducing a $Z$- or $N$-dependent strength factor into the pairing force Gogny D1S. As an example of application, distinct improvements are achieved with the optimized pairing force in determining the single-particle configurations of ${}^{112,114,118,124}$Sn.

• Received 1 July 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.87.054331