Scattering of Alpha-particles by a Vibrational Nucleus

The elastic and inelastic scattering of cx-particles by a vibrational nucleus is calculated using plane-wave Born approximation. The excitation of both single-phonon and twophonon states is considered. The effect of the diffuseness of the nuclear surface is included. The result for elastic scattering and the excitation of the single-phonon 2+ and 3- states is in good agreement with experiment for .oNi. The approximations used are discussed, and it is suggested that excitation of 0+, 1-, and 5- states should provide the best experimental test of the theory of two-phonon excitation of nuclei. The energies of the vibrational states are also considered.