First measurements of spin correlations in the np -> d pi^0 reaction

TL;DR

This paper reports the first measurements of transverse spin correlations in the np-> d pi^0 reaction, providing new experimental data that enhances understanding of spin dynamics in this nuclear process.

Contribution

It presents the first experimental measurements of Axx and Ayy spin correlations in the np-> d pi^0 reaction using polarized beams and targets at COSY-ANKE.

Findings

Results agree with partial wave analysis of pp-> d pi^+ data

Data covers small-angle regions previously unmeasured

Measurements at neutron energies near 353 MeV and 600 MeV

Abstract

The transverse spin correlations Axx and Ayy in the np-> d pi^0 reaction have been measured for the first time in quasi-free kinematics at the COSY-ANKE facility using a polarised deuteron beam incident on a polarised hydrogen cell target. The results obtained for neutron energies close to 353 MeV and 600 MeV are in good agreement with the partial wave analysis of data on the isospin-related pp-> d pi^+ reaction, though the present results cover also the small-angle region, which was largely absent from these data.