Polarized neutrons from the 3H(p, n)3He reaction

Abstract

The polarization of neutrons from the 3 H(p, n) 3 He reaction at 31.6 ° in the lab (approximately 45 ° in the center of mass) was measured, using 4 He in the form of a pressurized gas as a polarimeter in conjunction with a time-of-flight spectrometer. Polarization has been attributed to the interference of the 3 P 0 and 3 P 2 waves, forming the T = 0; J π = 0 − , 2 − states in 4 He at 21.4 and 22.2 MeV, respectively. Observed polarizations are larger than those predicted by theory and indicate a needed adjustment of the spacing and position of the above T = 0 levels.