Two-step process in proton inelastic scattering

Proton inelastic scattering exciting single-neutron states is calculated in the framework of the three-body model. The transition amplitude is approximately given by a sum of the one-step Born term and the pickup-stripping terms including the continuum p-n system propagation as well as the deuteron propagation in the intermediate state. The continuum contribution is not negligible at low energy and becomes as important as the terms at higher energies.