The method of intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation has been widely used to
determine absolute B(E2; 0+ -> 2+) quadrupole excitation strengths in exotic
nuclei with even numbers of protons and neutrons. Transition rates measured
with intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation are compared to their respective
adopted values and for the example of 26Mg to the B(E2; 0+ -> 2+) values
obtained with a variety of standard methods. Intermediate-energy Coulomb
excitation is found to have an accuracy comparable to those of long-established
experimental techniques.Comment: to be published in Phys. Rev.