Polarization of High-Energy Photons Using Highly Oriented Graphite

Abstract

We have demonstrated the feasibility of a new method of polarizing high-energy photons, by preferential attenuation of photons polarized in one plane as a result of coherent pair production on passage through a single crystal of specific orientation. Highly oriented graphite is a particularly favorable material. The method, feasible at presently available energies, is predicted to be especially useful at higher energies.