State and Spectral Functions ∗

An overview is given of the theoretical work on nucleon spectral functions in finite nuclei. The consequences of the observed spectral strength distribution are then considered in the context of the nuclear-matter saturation problem. Arguments are presented suggesting that short-range correlations are mainly responsible for the actual value of the observed charge density in Pb and by extension for the empirical value of the saturation density of nuclear matter. This observation combined with the general understanding of the spectroscopic strength suggests that a renewed study of nuclear matter, emphasizing the self-consistent determination of the spectral strength due to short-range and tensor correlations, may shed light on the perennial nuclear saturation problem. First results using such a scheme are presented. Arguments are discussed that clarify the role of long-range correlations and their relevance for nuclear saturation.