Gamma-Ray Linear Polarization and Angular Distribution Formulas in Terms of Phase-Defined Reduced Matrix Elements

Abstract

Gamma-ray linear polarization and angular distribution formulas are presented in terms of the phase-defined reduced matrix elements of Rose and Brink. In particular, the mixing ratios are phase consistently related to reduced matrix elements of interaction multipole operators which are also well defined in phase. The mixing ratios extracted from the measurements of gamma-ray angular distribution and linear polarization can then be compared in both magnitude and sign with the predictions of nuclear models. The full potential of a gamma-ray linear polarization measurement is demonstrated by the discussion of a recent measurement.