Quark Degrees of Freedom in Finite Nuclei

Properties of finite nuclei are investigated based on relativistic Hartree equations which have been derived from a relativistic quark model of the structure of bound nucleons. Nucleons are assumed to interact through the (self-consistent) exchange of scalar ($\sigma$) and vector ($\omega$ and $\rho$) mesons at the quark level. The coupling constants and the mass of the $\sigma$-meson are determined from the properties of symmetric nuclear matter and the rms charge radius in $^{40}$Ca. Calculated properties of static, closed-shell nuclei, as well as symmetric nuclear matter are compared with experimental data and with the results of Quantum Hadrodynamics (QHD).