The role of weak surface coupling is discussed for multiparticle nuclear configurations. Matrix elements are given for the standard from of the coupling of nucleons to nuclear surface vibrations. Energy spacings, configuration interaction, magnetic moments, quadrupole moments, and $E2\mathrm{}$ transition rates are discussed, with emphasis on features independent of special details of particle configurations. Magnetic moments, in particular, become orderly when account is taken of variations of surface coupling strength together with a directly induced configuration mixing. Experimental evidence favors the idea that a true weak coupling situation exists for many nuclei near closed shells. In these nuclei, collective quadrupole effects may be appreciable while all other collective effects are nigligible.

• Received 9 May 1955

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.100.1