Weak response of nuclei

Abstract

We discuss some differences and similarities between electron and neutrino scattering off atomic nuclei. We find that, in the giant resonance region, the two processes excite different nuclear modes, therefore the weak and the electromagnetic nuclear responses are rather different. In any case, the scattering of electrons and photons is the best guide we have to test the validity of our nuclear models and their prediction power. The experience in describing electromagnetic excitations of the nucleus, suggests that, when the nucleus is excited in the continuum, the re-interaction between the emitted nucleon and the remaining nucleus should not be neglected. A simple model taking into account this final state interaction is proposed, and applied to the neutrino scattering off 16O nucleus.