RPA calculations with Gaussian expansion method

The Gaussian expansion method (GEM) is applied to calculations of the nuclear excitations in the random-phase approximation (RPA). We adopt the massindependent basis-set that is successful in the mean-field calculations. The RPA results obtained by the GEM are compared with those obtained by several other available methods in Ca isotopes, by using a density-dependent contact interaction along with the Woods-Saxon single-particle states. It is confirmed that energies, transition strengths and widths of their distribution are described by the GEM with good precision, for the 1, 2+ and 3 collective states. The GEM is then applied to the self-consistent RPA calculations with the finite-range Gogny D1S interaction. The spurious center-of-mass motion is well separated from the physical states in the E1 response, and the energy-weighted sum rules for the isoscalar transitions are fulfilled reasonably well. Properties of low-energy transitions in 60Ca are investigated in some detail. PACS numbers: 21.60.Jz, 21.30.Fe, 21.10.Gv, 21.10.Pc