Polarization Parameter inp−pScattering from 1.7 to 6.1 BeV

Abstract

The polarization parameter in proton-proton scattering has been measured at incident proton kinetic energies of 1.7, 2.85, 3.5, 4.0, 5.05, and 6.15 BeV and for four-momentum transfer squared between 0.1 and 1.0 ${(\mathrm{B}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. The experiment was done with an unpolarized proton beam from the Bevatron striking a polarized proton target. Both final-state protons were detected in coincidence and the asymmetry in counting rate for target protons polarized parallel and antiparallel to the scattering normal was measured. The maximum polarization was observed to decrease from 0.4 at 1.7 BeV to 0.2 at 6.1 BeV. The maximum of the polarization at all energies studied occurs at a four-momentum transfer squared of 0.3 to 0.4 ${(\mathrm{B}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$.