Compton Scattering from \nuc{6}{Li} at 86 MeV

TL;DR

This study measures gamma-ray scattering cross sections from uc{6}{Li} at 86 MeV to explore their sensitivity to nucleon isoscalar polarizabilities, extending previous lower-energy measurements and highlighting increased sensitivity at higher energy.

Contribution

The paper provides new experimental data at 86 MeV and demonstrates increased sensitivity of cross sections to nucleon polarizabilities compared to earlier measurements.

Findings

Cross sections measured at 86 MeV using HIGS.

Sensitivity to nucleon polarizabilities is higher at 86 MeV.

Results extend previous lower-energy measurements.

Abstract

Cross sections for \nuc{6}{Li}($\gamma$,$\gamma$)\nuc{6}{Li} have been measured at the High Intensity Gamma-Ray Source (\HIGS) and the sensitivity of these cross sections to the nucleon isoscalar polarizabilities was studied. Data were collected using a quasi-monoenergetic 86 MeV photon beam at photon scattering angles of 40$^{\circ}$--160$^{\circ}$. These results are an extension of a previous measurement at a lower energy. The earlier work indicated that the \nuc{6}{Li}($\gamma$,$\gamma$)\nuc{6}{Li} reaction at 60 MeV provides a means of extracting the nucleon polarizabilities; this work demonstrates that the sensitivity of the cross section to the polarizabilities is increased at 86 MeV. A full theoretical treatment is needed to verify this conclusion and produce values of the polarizabilities.