New Neutron Polarizabilities from Deuterium Compton Scattering at HI$γ$S

Abstract

Elastic and inelastic Compton-scattering cross sections of the deuteron were measured at HI$γ$S using a circularly polarized, quasi-monoenergetic $γ$-ray beam (61.0 MeV). Scattered $γ$ rays from a liquid deuterium target were detected at $55^\circ$, $115^\circ$, and $150^\circ$. High-resolution NaI(Tl) detectors at backward angles enabled separation of elastic and inelastic events. A $χ$EFT analysis of the data yields new neutron scalar polarizabilities, $α^n_{E1} = 12.25 \pm 1.1\mathrm{(stat)} \pm 0.3\mathrm{(BSR)} \pm 0.8\mathrm{(th)}$ and $β^n_{M1} = 2.95 \mp 1.1\mathrm{(stat)} \mp 0.3\mathrm{(BSR)} \mp 0.8\mathrm{(th)}$ (in units of $10^{-4} \mathrm{fm}^3$) reducing statistical uncertainties by 12 %.