Continuum random phase approximation method applied to the inclusive transverse electron scattering response.

A continuum random phase approximation ~RPA! method for evaluating the structure function of nuclear matter is developed, where exchange terms for any particle-hole interaction are explicitly included. The method is applied to the inclusive transverse quasielastic electron scattering response at momentum transfer ranging from q5300 to 550 MeV/c . The interaction employed is a g8 Landau-Migdal constant plus a (p1r)-meson exchange interaction. A comparison with the standard ring series is made showing that the inclusion of finite range effects in the exchange terms is necessary. @S0556-2813~96!01312-X#