On the analysis of parity violation in proton scattering experiments

Abstract

Methods of analysis of parity violation in scattering experiments are presented. The main emphasis is on p–p scattering below pion threshold. It is shown how effects depend on strong interaction physics, in particular, the well-determined p–p scattering phase shifts. The different physical content of the two lowest parity-violating partial wave scattering amplitudes is discussed, as is the optimal choice of energy for their determination. The crucial role of the different anomalous magnetic-moment couplings for the analysis of parity-violating ρ and ω exchange is emphasized. The unexpectedly large parity violation found at 6 GeV/c proton momentum is then discussed with the conclusion that no satisfactory explanation yet exists. At the end, p–α and p–d scattering are discussed briefly.