Static theory of the giant quadrupole resonance in deformed nuclei

The modes and frequencies of the giant quadrupole resonance of heavy deformed nuclei have been calculated. The quadrupole operator is computed and the absorption cross section is derived. The quadrupole sum rule is discussed, and the relevant oscillator strengths have been evaluated for various orientations of the nucleus. The giant quadrupole resonances have energies between 20 and 25 MeV. The total absorption cross section is about 20% of the giant dipole absorption cross section. Of particular interest is the occurrence of the quadrupole mode which is sensitive to the nuclear radius in a direction of approximately θ=(1/4)π from the symmetry axis. This may give information on the details of the nuclear shape