Studies in photonuclear reactions

Abstract

Progress in the theory of photonuclear reactions has been achieved principally through the extensive use of reaction models. These models have been the basis for obtaining theoretical estimates of the broad features of photon induced reactions. In medium- and heavy-weight nuclei, the predicted position, width and magnitude of the 'giant* resonance are generally in agreement with the experimentally determined values. The use of different models and even modifications of the same model however can lead to marked differences when the prediction of more detailed features is made. In particular, measurements of the energy spectra of emitted particles, the relative yield of different types of particle and the investigations of any 'structure' in the activation function should help to distinguish the more successful models. These measurements have not been made with sufficient accuracy to allow a critical assessment of the different models. However, for interactions involving discrete levels in light nuclei, shell model calculations are needed to establish the level properties before a useful comparison with experimental results can be made.