State densities of heavy nuclei in the static-path plus random-phase approximation

Nuclear state densities are important inputs to statistical models of compound-nucleus reactions. State often calculated with self-consistent mean-field approximations that do not include correlations and have be augmented empirical collective enhancement factors. Here, we benchmark the static-path plus random-phase approximation (SPA+RPA) density in a chain samarium isotopes $^{148-155}$Sm against exact results (up errors) obtained shell model Monte Carlo (SMMC) method. The SPA+RPA method incorporates all static fluctuations beyond mean field together small-amplitude quantal around each fluctuation. Using pairing quadrupole interaction, show agree well SMMC for both even- odd-mass isotopes. For even-mass isotopes, also compare our finite-temperature Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) approximation. We find repairs deficiencies associated broken rotational symmetry deformed nuclei violation particle-number conservation condensate. In particular, reproduces relative density.