Absolute cross sections for electron- and positron-induced fission of 238U and tests of DWGA virtual-photon spectra

Absolute cross sections for electron- and positron-induced fission of 238 U have been measured in the energy range 10–35 MeV. The cross sections were compared with the corresponding photo-fission cross sections using DWBA virtual-photon spectra. The reliability of the virtual-photon formalism to extract E2 strength from inclusive electrodisintegration experiments is critically discussed.