Classical-limit description of rotation-vibrational band excitation in deformed even-even nuclei

Abstract

Classical-limit S-matrix (CLSM) theory, previously formulated for Coulomb excitation of the ground band in even-even nuclei, is extended to rotation-vibrational bands. A perturbation approximation is introduced for which the results are conceptually simple, and lend themselves to an illuminating classical description of rotational-vibrational excitation. Numerical calculations performed with this formalism for the K = 0 octupole band in 238U are in good agreement with calculations based on the semiclassical Alder-Winther theory. It is suggested that methods analogous to those described here could be used to describe nucleon and cluster transfer in deformed systems.