Large-amplitude quadrupole shape mixing probed by the (p,p′) reaction: A model analysis

To discuss a possible observation of large-amplitude nuclear shape mixing by nuclear reaction, we employ a simple collective model and evaluate the transition densities with which the differential cross sections are obtained through the microscopic coupled-channel calculation. Assuming the spherical-to-prolate shape transition, we focus on large-amplitude shape mixing associated with the softness of the collective potential in the β direction. We introduce a simple model based on the five-dimensional quadrupole collective Hamiltonian, which simulates a chain of isotopes that exhibit spherical-to-prolate shape phase transition. Taking 154 Sm as an example and controlling the model parameters, we study how the large-amplitude shape mixing affects the elastic and inelastic proton scatterings. The calculated results suggest that the inelastic cross section of the 22+ state shows us the important role of the quadrupole shape mixing.