Target asymmetry and effective neutron polarization with polarized deuteron targets

Abstract

A careful discussion is given of the definitions of "target asymmetry" and "effective neutron polarization" in the reaction d^→(γ,π^-)2p with polarized deuterons. The connection between the analyzing powers, T_q^kof the reaction and the target asymmetry, T is established taking into account the method of preparation of the polarized target. It is further shown that the concept of effective neutron polarization P_eff is valid only in a very approximate way, even when the target deuteron is purely vector polarized.