Inclusive inelastic scattering of 96.5-MeV pi + and pi - by the hydrogen and helium isotopes.

Abstract

Spectra, angular distributions, and integrated cross sections for inclusive inelastic scattering of 96.5-MeV {pi}{sup +} and {pi}{sup {minus}} from {sup 2}H, {sup 3}He, and {sup 4}He are presented. The measurements were made using a high-pressure gas cell, which permits an accurate determination of relative cross sections for all targets. The data are compared with distorted-wave impulse-approximation calculations and with a modified plane-wave impulse-approximation calculation. In addition, by combining the total inelastic cross sections from this work with estimates of single-charge-exchange cross sections and with published values and reasonable estimates of the other {pi}{sup +} cross sections at the same energy, values for total reaction and pion absorption cross sections are obtained for all the targets. The dependence of these cross sections on {ital Z}, {ital N}, nuclear density, and nuclear binding energy is discussed in terms of a simple model.