NUCLEAR RADIATION WIDTHS

Abstract

The total radiation widths of nuclear energy levels have been computed using the new level spacing formula of T. D. Newton. The only adjustable constant in this calculation is a normalizing factor, which was determined by comparison with observed radiation widths. The logarithmic average deviation of the observed radiation widths from the calculated values is then equal to a factor 1.37. Radiation widths computed for a series of nuclei close to the valley of beta stability at excitation energies corresponding to the energy release in neutron capture are presented. It is found that in heavy nuclei with large level spacings the radiation widths of electric dipole transitions to the ground state can exceed that computed from the above considerations. This accounts for the unusual nature of the radiative transitions in lead.