Multistep processes in the interaction of 100 - 200 MeV protons with nuclei

The inclusive (p,p') reaction was investigated for a number of target nuclei ranging from 4He to 197Au at incident energies from 100 to 200 MeV. The experimental results are interpreted in a consistent way which demonstrates the importance of the first-step nucleon-nucleon interactions, as well as the subsequent interactions in the multistep rescattering chain. The statistical multistep-direct emission theory of Feshbach, Kerman and Koonin, the application of which was developed by the Milan-Oxford group, is demonstrated to facilitate the interpretation of experimental data. 25 refs., 8 figs