Measurement of linear polarization of coherent bremsstrahlung by detecting the angular correlation in pair production

Abstract

Abstract The linear polarization of the coherent bremsstrahlung from a single crystal of silicon was measured by observing the one-dimensionally projected angles of electron and positron pairs. The coherent bremsstrahlung was produced by injecting the 1153 MeV electrons to the silicon crystal nearly along the [110] axis. The emission angles, η + and η − , of pair particles were determined event by observing their tracks with a set of four wire spark chambers. From the ( η + , η − ) distribution of events, the polarization of photons was evaluated. The obtained polarization was consistent with the calculated values, and the technique gives a new approach to the measurement of the linear polarization of photons.