Density fluctuations and multifragmentation of nuclear matter

The density fluctuations of nuclear matter are studied within a mean-field model in which fluctuations are generated by an external stochastic field. The constraints imposed on the random force by the fluctuation-dissipation theorem are analyzed. It is shown that in the proximity of the borders of the spinodal region the assumption of a white-noise stochastic field can be reliably used. The domain distribution of the liquid phase in the spinodal decomposition of nuclear matter is derived. The related distribution of fragment sizes compares favorably with the experimental fragment distribution observed in heavy ion collisions.