Optimized polarimetry for polarization-transfer experiments with protons and deuterons

Abstract A versatile polarimeter with high efficiency for double-scattering experiments with polarized protons and deuterons in the energy range between 3.5 and 25 MeV was developed. The reactions 4 He ( p , p ) 4 He , 12 C ( p , p ) 12 C and 3 He ( d , p ) 4 He are used as analyzers. The properties of the polarimeter were studied and optimized by computer simulation for the first and second scattering. The insufficient data set of the reaction 12 C ( p , p ) 12 C was complemented by measurements of the differential cross sections and analyzing powers at 30 energies in the range from 3.5 to 7.5 MeV at 36 angles between 30° ≤ ϑ lab ≤ 145° for each energy. The new polarimeter was used for a measurement of the polarization-transfer coefficients K y y ′ and K z x ′ of the reaction D ( p , p ) D at E p = 19 MeV. Design, calibration and performance of the polarimeter are described.