Abstract
A precision scattering experiment has been carried out in the energy interval 2-3 Mev. The angular distribution of neutrons elastically scattered by alpha particles has been measured at angles smaller than those considered in similar experiments. The phase-shift analysis of the data has led to the following results: (a) No waves are detectable. (b) The phase shifts for the interaction in the and , state agree very well with the values quoted in the literature. (c) The phase shift arising from the interaction in the , state turns out to be much smaller than expected; it has been found at 2.37 Mev and at 2.87 Mev, instead of ∼20° in this energy interval. It is emphasized that such an unusual experimental result should be carefully considered in theoretical investigations concerning the spin-orbit potential, and in experimental researches using helium as a polarization analyzer.
- Received 17 July 1961
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.125.318
©1962 American Physical Society