Deuteron tensor polarization componentT20(Q2)as a crucial test for deuteron wave functions

Abstract

The deuteron tensor polarization component ${T}_{20}({Q}^{2})$ is calculated by the relativistic Hamiltonian dynamics approach. It is shown that in the range of momentum transfers available with current experiments, relativistic effects, meson exchange currents, and the choice of nucleon electromagnetic form factors almost do not influence the value of ${T}_{20}({Q}^{2})$. However, this value depends strongly on the actual form of the deuteron wave function, that is, on the model of the $\mathit{NN}$ interaction in the deuteron. So the existing data for ${T}_{20}({Q}^{2})$ provide a crucial test for deuteron wave functions.