How Strong is the Rho-Meson Exchange in theNNInteraction?

Abstract
A calculation of the ρ-meson self-energy in nuclear matter with use of realistic interactions is presented. No collective effects as predicted by Toki and Comfort are observed. This discrepancy is traced back to their use of a strong ρ exchange. An analysis of realistic interactions (Reid, Bonn, Paris) shows that NN phase shifts uniquely specify a weak effective ρ exchange for momentum transfers up to 3 fm1.