Pairing correlations in finite systems: from the weak to the strong fluctuations regime

The Particle Number Projected Generator Coordinate Method is formulated for the pairing Hamiltonian in a detailed way in the projection after variation and the variation after projection methods. The dependence of the wave functions on the generator coordinate is analyzed performing numerical applications for the most relevant collective coordinates. The calculations reproduce the exact solution in the weak, crossover and strong pairing regimes. The physical insight of the ansatz and its numerical simplicity make this theory an excellent tool to study pairing correlations in complex situations and/or involved Hamiltonians. Copyright EDP Sciences/Società Italiana di Fisica/Springer-Verlag 2005