Interpretation of Quasifree Proton-Deuteron Scattering

Abstract

Proton-deuteron inelastic scattering is studied in impulse approximation, using the formalism of Cromer. The $S$-wave final-state interaction of the two target nucleons is included. Expressions are evaluated for a scattering energy of 142 MeV. The results for quasifree scattering are compared with calculations of Everett. Results for quasifree $p\ensuremath{-}p$ scattering are compared with measurements of cross section, polarization, and triple-scattering parameters $R$ and $A$. Agreement for all but cross section is good, that for cross section is qualitatively right. Results for quasifree $p\ensuremath{-}n$ scattering are used to obtain corrections relating quasifree measurements of $P$, $R$, $A$, and $D$ to the free $n\ensuremath{-}p$ parameters. These corrections are applied to the existing measurements of $P$, $R$, and $A$. Frequently, the corrections are larger than the experimental errors, and must be made before the data can be interpreted as $n\ensuremath{-}p$ data. Scattering in which the target nucleons are left in a relative singlet spin state is considered, polarization parameters are evaluated, and methods for measuring them discussed.