Description of spin-dependent observables in elastic proton-deuteron scattering on the basis of a generalized diffraction model

Abstract

Spin-dependent observables of elastic proton-deuteron (pd) scattering at intermediate energies are considered on the basis of calculations within a generalized diffraction model. The generalization in question takes into account all ten helicity proton-proton (pp) and proton-neutron (pn) amplitudes constructed on the basis of a present-day partial-wave analysis and precise deuteron wave functions derived from two alternative models of nucleon-nucleon (NN) forces. Explicit relations between the invariant amplitudes of pd scattering and input NN helicity amplitudes are found. Among other things, these relations make it possible to reconstruct unknown pn amplitudes at energies above 1 GeV on the basis of data on pd scattering. The predictions of the generalized diffraction model for differential cross sections and analyzing powers are compared with the latest experimental data. Surprisingly good agreement with experimental data over a broad interval of scattering angles is found both for differential cross sections and for vector and tensor analyzing powers.