Precise measurement of the photon directional asymmetry in the np--d gamma reaction

Description
This work presents analysis and results for the NPDGamma experiment, measuring

the spin-correlated photon directional asymmetry in the $\vec{n}p\rightarrow

d\gamma$ radiative capture of polarized, cold neutrons on a parahydrogen

target. The parity-violating (PV) component of this asymmetry

$A_{\gamma,PV}$ is unambiguously related to

This work presents analysis and results for the NPDGamma experiment, measuring

the spin-correlated photon directional asymmetry in the $\vec{n}p\rightarrow

d\gamma$ radiative capture of polarized, cold neutrons on a parahydrogen

target. The parity-violating (PV) component of this asymmetry

$A_{\gamma,PV}$ is unambiguously related to the $\Delta I = 1$ component of

the hadronic weak interaction due to pion exchange. Measurements in the second

phase of NPDGamma were taken at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) from late 2012 to early 2014, and then again in

the first half of 2016 for an unprecedented level of statistics in order to

obtain a measurement that is precise with respect to theoretical predictions of

$A_{\gamma,PV}=O(10^{-8})$. Theoretical and experimental background,

description of the experimental apparatus, analysis methods, and results for

the high-statistics measurements are given.

Details

Contributors
Date Created
2017
Resource Type
Language
  • eng
Note
  • thesis
    Partial requirement for: Ph.D., Arizona State University, 2017
  • bibliography
    Includes bibliographical references (pages 115-120)
  • Field of study: Physics

Citation and reuse

Statement of Responsibility
by David Blyth

Additional Information

English
Extent
  • x, 126 pages : color illustrations
Open Access
Peer-reviewed