$^{3}$He polarizer performance in the NPDGamma experiment

ORAL

Abstract

The ability to polarize neutrons in a broad energy range and measure the neutron polarization with absolute accuracy using a $^{3}$He polarizer has opened up opportunities in Nuclear and other branches of Physics. $^{3}$He polarizers are based on the transmission of neutrons through the polarized $^{3}$He gas which has a strong spin dependent absorption of neutrons. A $^{3}$He polarizer is currently in use in the NPDGamma experiment on FP12 at LANSCE. In a $^{3}$He polarizer, $^{3}$He polarization is produced by the Rb spin exchange method. With the previous cell, BooBoo, used in the experiment maximum $^{3}$He polarization of 57{\%} was obtained and the neutron polarization of 80{\%} was obtained at 5 {\AA}. For the final run of the experiment a new cell, Pebbles, which is considered to be a better cell as compared to BooBoo will be used. The set up for the polarizer has been improved to obtain a better polarization. Improvements include greater laser power, achieved by combining two fiber-coupled laser diodes into a single fiber and a new oven for heating the cell, which will allow more stable and higher temperatures. In this work, we will present the behavior of the polarizer and the neutron polarization in the NPDGamma experiment.

Authors

  • Monisha Sharma

    University of Michigan Ann Arbor