Gravitational form factors of light nuclei: Impulse approximation

The gravitational form factors of light nuclei are evaluated up to momenta of the order of the nucleon mass, using the impulse approximation. The nucleon gravitational form factors are reduced nonrelativistically, and used to derive the gravitational form factors of light nuclei. The deuteron gravitational form factors are analysed using the Reid soft core potential. The helium-4 gravitational form factors are assessed using the K-harmonics method, and compared to those following from a mean-field approximation with a Woods-Saxon potential. The importance of removing the center of mass motion for the ensuing form factors is emphasized. The mass radii of these light nuclei are extracted and compared to their charge radii counterparts. The details of their pressure and shear distributions are discussed.