The octupole response function

The octupole response function for ²⁰⁸Pb, ¹²⁰Sn, ⁹⁰Zr and ⁴⁰Ca, is calculated in the RPA. Of the order of 60–70% of the EWSR is found around an energy of 3?ω₀, spread over an energy interval of ～ 15 MeV. About half of this strength (～ 30%) lies in a single peak. Based on the excitation of surface vibrations, the widths of these states are estimated within the framework of the nuclear field theory. They are found to be of the order of 6 MeV. The results seem to be consistent with recent data.