Neutrino-nucleus reactions on ^{12}C and ^{16}O

Exclusive and inclusive $(\nu_\mu, \mu^-), (\nu_e, e^-)$ cross-sections and $\mu^-$-capture rates are calculated for ^{12}C and ^{16}O using the consistent random phase approximation (RPA) and pairing model. After a pairing correction is introduced to the RPA results the flux-averaged theoretical $(\nu_\mu, \mu^-), (\nu_e, e^-)$ cross-sections and $\mu^-$-capture rates in $^{12}$C are in good agreement with experiment. In particular when one takes into account the experimental error bars, the recently measured range of values for the $(\nu_\mu, \mu^-)$ cross-section is in agreement with the present theoretical results. Predictions of $(\nu_\mu, \mu^-)$ and $(\nu_e, e^-)$ cross-sections in ^{16}O are also presented.