Multistep proton scattering—towards higher energies Original Research Article

The multistep direct theory of Feshbach, Kerman and Koonin is applied to the analysis of nucleon inelastic scattering to the continuum. The one-step cross sections include contributions of incoherent particle-hole and collective excitations in the continuum. The multistep formalism is used with the non-DWBA matrix elements that involve the biorthogonally conjugated distorted waves. The multistep direct cross sections are combined with multistep compound and compound nucleus cross sections to give a complete analysis of proton inelastic scattering by iron at energies 29 MeV, 39 MeV and 62 MeV. The results show large contributions from the two-, three- and four-step reactions. A good agreement with experiment is obtained at all energies.