Correlations play a decisive role in various many-body systems such as nuclear systems, condensed matter or quantum gases. Important examples are pairing correlations (Cooper pairs) which give rise to nuclear superfluidity (analogous to superconductivity in condensed matter), particle-hole (RPA) correlations in the description of the ground state beyond mean-field theory, clusters and α-particle correlations in certain nuclei. Also the nucleons themselves can be viewed as clusters of three quarks. During the last few years, one has started to study how the character of these correlations changes with variation of the density. For instance, the Cooper pairs in dense matter can transform into a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) of true bound states at low density (this is the BCS-BEC crossover studied in ultracold Fermi gases). Similar effects play a role in neutron matter at low density, e.g., in the “neutron skin�? of exotic nuclei. The α clusters become particularly important at very low density, like in the formation of compact stars or in excited states of some nuclei (Hoyle state in ¹²C).

The aim of this conference is to bring together experts in the topics described above, with special emphasis on dilute systems. Although the conference focuses on theory, some experimentalists will be invited, too. In addition to nuclear physics, topics from astrophysics (neutron stars), condensed matter and quantum gases will be discussed, allowing the different communities to exchange their ideas, experiences and methods.

One session of the conference will be dedicated to the celebration of Peter Schuck's retirement.