Rescattering Effects in Backward Proton-Deuteron Scattering at Intermediate Energies

Abstract

We study backward proton-deuteron scattering at intermediate energies (1.0-1.5 GeV) by considering a rearrangement process where the incident projectile picks up a neutron of the target leaving the target proton behind. By collecting terms up to second order in the multiple-scattering series and by employing the approximations suited to a high-energy large-angle scattering behavior, we obtain the expression for the scattering amplitude similar (but not identical) to the one used by the Glauber model for small-angle scattering at these energies. We find that the double-scattering terms, in which the incident proton scatters with the neutron in the forward direction and then sends the target proton back, contribute most significantly. The lowest-order "pickup" and the single-scattering terms become important if one includes the tensor component in the deuteron wave function. The calculated differential cross section (particularly at intermediate angle) is found to be in reasonable agreement with experimental data.