Nuclear Matrix Elements in the Theory of Beta-Decay

An approach has been developed whereby the nuclear matrix elements can be calculated for the odd-A and half of the even-A beta-radioactive nuclei. The designation of nuclear states is made in accordance with the Mayer shell model and its extension by Nordheim to the even-A nuclei. The transforming nucleon is assigned the wave functions of a Dirac particle in a "square-well" potential representing the nuclear "core." Expressions for the matrix elements have been determined and compared with the data. Consistent agreement is found for the tensor interaction.