Inelastic proton scattering as a mean for the determination of neutron and proton matrix element ratios Original Research Article

The determination of ratio of neutron over proton matrix elements by inelastic proton scattering, for 0+→2+ transitions, is investigated via the comparison between experimental data and theoretical calculations. Calculations into the context of a macroscopic and a microscopic description are performed for a wide mass range nuclei: 18O, 30Si, 32,34S, 48Ca, 88Sr, for which these ratios were determined previously with an independent technique. At that point the choice of the theoretical model may be very critical. It is thus the purpose of this investigation to point out the most suitable model. It is found that in general both theoretical models can be employed for the reliable determination of neutron over proton matrix element ratios.