Highly Polarized Neutrons from thes-WaveT(d, n)He4andD(t, n)He4Reactions

Abstract

Formulas are presented in which the polarization of neutrons from the $s$-wave $\mathrm{T}(d, n){}_{}{}^4{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{He}$ and $\mathrm{D}(t, n){}_{}{}^4{}_{}{}^{}\mathrm{He}$ reactions are expressed in terms of the projectile polarization and two real parameters which characterize the reaction. Neutron polarization limits are calculated from the presently available information about the range of possible values of these parameters. Several experiments are suggested by which these parameters can be determined. When this information is available, approximately 14-MeV neutrons with a large and accurately known polarization can be produced with the aid of a polarized ion source. The advantages, for this application, of a polarized ion source which can select a single nuclear substate are pointed out. The construction of polarized neutron generator with useful intensities and large polarization appears to be feasible at the present time.