Effect of short-range correlations on Coulomb matrix elements

Correlated wave functions obtained by solving the Bethe-Goldstone equation with the Hamada-Johnston potential are used to calculate Coulomb matrix elements for use in the nuclear $1p$ shell. When proper attention is given to the Pauli operator we find that Coulomb matrix elements are not appreciably larger than those obtained using uncorrelated wave functions, in contrast to conclusions reached by previous investigators.