Self-consistent Skyrme quasiparticle random-phase approximation for use in axially symmetric nuclei of arbitrary mass

We describe a new implementation of the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) in axially symmetric deformed nuclei with Skyrme and volume-pairing energy-density functionals. After using a variety of tests to demonstrate the accuracy of the code in Mg-24,Mg-26 and O-16, we report the first fully self-consistent application of the Skyrme QRPA to a heavy deformed nucleus, calculating strength distributions for several K-pi in Yb-172. We present energy-weighted sums, properties of gamma-vibrational and low-energy K-pi = 0(+) states, and the complete isovector E1 strength function. The QRPA calculation reproduces the properties of the low-lying 2(+) states as well or better than it typically does in spherical nuclei.