We present the most accurate and complete data set for the analyzing power Ay(theta) in neutron-proton scattering. The experimental data were corrected for the effects of multiple scattering, both in the center detector and in the neutron detectors. The final data at En = 12.0 MeV deviate considerably from the predictions of nucleon-nucleon phase-shift analyses and potential models. The impact of the new data on the value of the charged pion-nucleon coupling constant is discussed in a model study.
The measured analysing power at 12 MeV. Errors contain statistics and systematics added in quadrature.
Measurements of the analyzing power Ay(θ) for neutron-proton scattering have been performed at 7.6, 12.0, 14.1, 16.0, and 18.5 MeV. The experimental setup is described as are the finite-geometry corrections applied to the data. One of these corrections, due to the presence of carbon in the scintillators used for neutron detection, is discussed in detail. The Ay(θ) data are compared to the predictions of the Paris and Bonn nucleon-nucleon potentials and the predictions of two phase-shift analyses, one of which incorporates charge-independence breaking effects in the 3P waves.
Measured analyzing power at 7.6 MeV.
Measured analyzing power at 12.0 MeV.
Measured analyzing power at 14.1 MeV.
In the Standard Model, b quarks produced in e^+e^- annihilation at the Z^0 peak have a large average longitudinal polarization of -0.94. Some fraction of this polarization is expected to be transferred to b-flavored baryons during hadronization. The average longitudinal polarization of weakly decaying b baryons, <P_L^{\Lambda_b}>, is measured in approximately 4.3 million hadronic Z^0 decays collected with the OPAL detector between 1990 and 1995 at LEP. Those b baryons that decay semileptonically and produce a \Lambda baryon are identified through the correlation of the baryon number of the \Lambda and the electric charge of the lepton. In this semileptonic decay, the ratio of the neutrino energy to the lepton energy is a sensitive polarization observable. The neutrino energy is estimated using missing energy measurements. From a fit to the distribution of this ratio, the value <P_L^{\Lambda_b}> = -0.56^{+0.20}_{-0.13} +/- 0.09 is obtained, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic.
Charge conjugate states are included.
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