Gamma-Ray Yields from Coulomb Excitation

The yields of $\gamma$ rays resulting from Coulomb excitation have been measured for the elements Ta, Au, Pt, Tl, Pb, Th, W, Hf, Ag, Pd, Rh, and Mo. The yields of the 137-, 166-, and 303-kev $\gamma$ rays in Ta and the (277+273)- and 550-kev $\gamma$ rays in Au were studied as a function of proton energy. No significant deviation from the predictions of the semiclassical theory of Alder and Winther was observed. Reduced transition probabilities for $E2\mathrm{}$ and $M1\mathrm{}$ transitions have been obtained from the $\gamma$-ray yields. In four cases these values may be compared to values obtained from direct half-life measurements. The good agreement indicates that the absolute cross section for Coulomb excitation is correctly given by the theory. Nuclear distortions based on the observed $E2\mathrm{}$ transition probabilities are compared to those obtained from the observed excitation energies.