Photodisintegration of the Deuteron by 180-Mev and 260-Mev Gamma Rays

Abstract

The photodisintegration of the deuteron is observed at gamma-ray energies of 180 Mev and 260 Mev. Both a low-temperature compressed-gas target and a ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O-${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O subtraction method are used. The photoprotons are detected in a crystal counter telescope. Their angular distribution shows a fairly marked forward asymmetry. The total cross sections at 165 and 230 Mev (c.m.) are 54 and 66 \ensuremath{\mu}b, respectively, with an estimated error of 10 percent on the absolute scale.