Polarization in backward elastic π+p scattering at 2.0, 3.5 and 4.0 GeV/c

Abstract Data on polarization in backward elastic π + p scattering at 2.0, 3.5 and 4.0 GeV/ c are presented. The data at 2.0 GeV/ c are compared with the result of a recent phase-shift analysis. Our data at 3.5 and 4.0 GeV/ c , and existing data above 3 GeV/ c , show no significant energy dependence of the polarization over the measured u -range. A comparison with Regge models and with results from amplitude analysis is made.