Nuclear structure studies with (p, n) reactions at intermediate energies

The (p, n) reaction at intermediate energies is predominantly impulsive and single-step. The distorted-wave impulse approximation (DWIA) with realistic, large-basis shell-model wavefunctions is able to describe strong transitions accurately, including polarization observables. The 48 Ca(p, n) 48 Sc reaction is discussed as an example including different kinds of one-particle one-hole (1p1h) excitations. Because the (p, n) reaction proceeds by a simple mechanism which can generally be described theoretically, it provides an important tool for studying nuclear structure. Applications of such studies include double beta-decay studies, nuclear astrophysics, and specific issues in nuclear physics.