Solution of the Vlasov equation for collective modes in nuclei

Abstract

A semiclassical theory of giant resonances based on the Vlasov equation is developed. The linearized Vlasov equation is solved for the bound motion of particles in a central potential with an external time-dependent multipole field. The solution obeys an RPA-type integral equation. If the time-dependent part of the self-consistent field is neglected, the solution of the Vlasov equation has a simple analytical form. The strength function for each multipole can be expressed in terms of the natural frequencies of classical orbits and of radial integrals over the classical motion. The method is illustrated by studying the isoscalar monopole, quadrupole and octupole response in medium-heavy nuclei without residual interaction. There are remarkable similarities between the solutions of the semiclassical problem and the corresponding quantum problem. For a central potential with Saxon-Woods shape there is an interesting shift and concentration of strength in the quadrupole and octupole response functions.