Modern nucleon-nucleon potentials and symmetry energy in infinite matter

We study the symmetry energy in infinite nuclear matter employing a non-relativistic Brueckner-Hartree-Fock approach and using various new nucleon-nucleon (NN) potentials, which fit np and pp scattering data very accurately. The potential models we employ are the recent versions of the Nijmegen group, Nijm-I, Nijm-II, and Reid93, the Argonne V(18) potential and the CD-Bonn potential. All these potentials yield a symmetry energy which increases with density, resolving a discrepancy that existed for older NN potentials. The origin of remaining differences is discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.