Isobar-hole doorway states and π-16O scattering

Abstract We describe and apply the isobar-hole approach to intermediate energy pion-nucleus reactions. Pion propagation, nucleon and isobar binding, Pauli restrictions and Δ propagation are calculated explicitly within a shell model framework. Intermediate coupling to multihole channels, for example through pion absorption, is treated phenomenologically through an isobar spreading potential. We find strongly collective Δ-hole states, leading to a reformulation of the approach in an extended schematic model. This entails systematic construction of a Δ-hole doorway state basis within which the Δ-hole propagator is evaluated. We find that this doorway space can be truncated at very low dimensionality while preserving accuracy, thereby simplifying the calculations appreciably. We make a detailed comparison between the theoretical results and recent data for π+ — 16O scattering in the pion energy range 50–340 MeV. Nonresonant πN interactions and the π-nucleus Coulomb interaction are included in the calculations. The data is reproduced quite well both below and in the resonance region, and we discuss in detail the role of various dynamical mechanisms. Above the resonance, the calculations are far less successful. We discuss possible shortcomings, stressing the role of inclusive pion-nucleus reactions for revealing the important dynamics. As a test of the Δ spreading potential used for describing elastic scattering, we calculate the total cross section for pion absorption. The result agrees reasonably well with the available data.