Continuum random-phase approximation for relativistic point coupling models

Continuum relativistic random-phase approximation (CRPA) is used to investigate collective excitation phenomena in several spherical nuclei along the periodic table. We start from relativistic mean-field calculations based on a covariant density functional with density-dependent zero-range forces. From the same functional an effective interaction is obtained as the second derivative with respect to the density. This interaction is used in relativistic CRPA calculations for the investigation of isoscalar monopole, isovector dipole, and isoscalar quadrupole resonances of spherical nuclei. In particular we study the low-lying $E1$ strength in the vicinity of the neutron evaporation threshold. The properties of the resonances, such as centroid energies and strengths distributions are compared with results of discrete RPA calculations for the same model as well as with experimental data.