Isoscalar giant resonances in finite nuclei are studied in a relativistic random-phase approximation approach. The model is self-consistent in the sense that one set of coupling constants generates the Dirac-Hartree single-particle spectrum and the residual particle-hole interaction. The relativistic random-phase approximation is used to calculate response functions of multipolarity L=0, 2, 3, and 4 in light and medium nuclei. It is found that monopole and quadrupole modes exhibit a collective character. The peak energies are overestimated, but not as much as one might think if the bulk properties (compression modulus, effective mass) were the only relevant quantities.

• Received 23 January 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.39.2022