E2 isovector giant resonance as seen through the capture of fast neutrons

The forward-to-backward asymmetry of high-energy photons, emitted in the radiative capture of neutrons with energies up to 20 MeV, was measured for /sup 208/Pb. The asymmetry increases abruptly from small values to large ones near E..gamma.. approx. 23 MeV, supporting the location in that neighborhood of the E2 giant isovector resonance.