Spin-orbit coupling in a relativistic Hartree model for finite nuclei

Single-particle motion and spin-orbit splitting in finite nuclei are described in a relativistic Dirac-Hartree model for nucleons interacting through exchange of scalar and vector bosons. Parameters are adjusted to reproduce properties of nuclear matter as described by Walecka. The model, applied to ${}_{}{}^{16}{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{O}$, successfully explains the sign and size of the spin-orbit interaction. The sensitivity of this result to variations in the parameters of the effective scalar boson is discussed.