Reaction matrix calculations in finite nuclei

Abstract

The binding energy of 16O is calculated using reaction matrix elements obtained from the Hamada-Johnston potential. Reaction matrix elements are defined in terms of a modified harmonic-oscillator spectrum for intermediate states and are calculated using the matrix inversion technique of Köhler and McCarthy. This approach is shown to be very simple and accurate and also very versatile as it allows one to define the low-lying intermediate state spectrum independently from the rest of the spectrum. The dependence of individual matrix elements and total binding energy on the input spectrum is studied in detail. Qualitative arguments are presented to help in choosing a reasonable intermediate-state spectrum to use in first-order Brueckner calculations. However, much work remains before this problem can be completely settled.