Neutron-Deuteron Scattering at High Energy

Abstract

The neutron-deuteron total scattering cross section at high energy has been calculated by expressing it as a sum over two-particle states over a wide range of energy. A sum rule was then applied to give the total cross section, that is, the elastic and inelastic cross sections. The calculations were performed with a Serber type exchange force for the neutron-proton force in agreement with present neutron-proton scattering data and a neutron-neutron force of arbitrary depth and exchange character. The neutron-neutron well depth was then determined for an ordinary, Serber type and pure exchange force between the two neutrons by making use of the experimental neutron-deuteron total cross section. The neutron-deuteron elastic scattering was then calculated for the three different types of neutron-neutron exchange and was found to agree best with the experimental value for the Serber type exchange (no force in odd states). The cross section for production of low energy protons was also calculated and confirmed the Serber type exchange force between the two neutrons when compared with the experimental value. Finally, a qualitative discussion of the angular and energy distribution of the low and high energy protons was given.