We have investigated the ground-state properties of carbon isotopes in the
framework of the relativistic mean-field (RMF) theory. RMF calculations have
been performed with the non-linear scalar self-coupling of the σ meson
using an axially symmetric deformed configuration. We have also introduced the
vector self-coupling of the ω meson for the deformed mean-field
calculations. The results show that the RMF predictions on radii and
deformations are in good agreement with the available experimental data. It is
shown that several carbon isotopes possess a highly deformed shape akin to a
superdeformation. The single-particle structure of nuclei away from the
stability line has been discussed with a view to understand the properties near
the neutron drip line. Predictions of properties of carbon isotopes away from
the stability line are made.Comment: Revtex, 29 pages, 11 postscript figures include