Self-consistent continuum random-phase approximation calculations with finite-range interactions

We present a technique that treats, without approximations, the continuum part of the excitation spectrum in random phase approximation calculations with finite-range interactions. The interaction used in Hartree-Fock calculations to generate the single-particle basis is also used in continuum random phase approximation calculations. We show results for electric dipole and quadrupole excitations in ¹⁶O, ²²O, ²⁴O, ⁴⁰Ca, ⁴⁸Ca, and ⁵²Ca nuclei. We compare our results with those of the traditional discrete random phase approximation, with continuum independent-particle model results, and with results obtained by a phenomenological random phase approximation approach. We study the relevance of the continuum, of the residual interaction, and of the self-consistency. We also compare our results with the available total photoabsorption cross-section data.