Measurement ofAyfor neutron-α scattering at forward angles

Abstract

The analyzing power A{sub y} has been measured for n-{alpha} scattering at energies of 11.3, 15.7, and 17.1 MeV for laboratory angles {theta}{sub lab}=42{degree}, 52{degree}, and 62{degree}. The beam polarization was determined at E{sub n}=11.3 and 15.7 MeV {ital via} n-{alpha} scattering at backward angles where A{sub y} is accurately known. The data were analyzed by means of extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Taking our results together with previously published data by other authors, it is concluded that the n-{alpha} analyzing power at forward angles is very well described by the phase-shift predictions of Stammbach and Walter over the whole energy range. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}