We present an analysis of the E2 strength data recently available from thermal radiative neutron capture within the context of direct capture theory. The radiative capture data require a neutron E2 effective charge identical to the one used in bound state shell model calculations, in marked contrast to the E1 situation. We suggest that this difference has its origin in the nature of the coupling governing the particle-core interaction in E2 and E1 radiative capture processes.

• Received 12 February 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.34.408