Multiple giant resonances in nuclei: their excitation and decay

The excitation of multiphonon giant resonances with heavy ions is discussed. The conventional theory, based on the use of the virtual photon number method in conjunction with the harmonic model is presented and its shortcomings are discussed. The recently developed model that invoke the Brink-Axel mechanism as an important contribution to the cross-section is discussed and compared to the conventional, harmonic model. The decay properties of these multiple giant resonances are also discussed within the same coherent + fluctuation model in conjunction with the hybrid decay model. It is demonstrated that the Brink-Axel mechanism enhances the direct decay of the states, as data seem to require. Comparison of our model with other recent theoretical works is presented.