Angular Distribution and Excitation Function of the Singlet Deuteron in thed(p,đ)pReaction

The $d(p,pn)p$ reaction has been studied to determine the $d(p,đ)p$ angular distribution and excitation function for the proton bombarding energy range 7 to 17 MeV. Protons and neutrons were detected in coincidence at the same angle to enhance the detection of $d(p,đ)p$ events. The spectra were fitted using the density-of-states function of Phillips, Griffy, and Biedenharn for the singlet deuteron, and a flat background arising from reactions other than $d(p,đ)p$. Angular distributions were taken at 7, 8, 10, 12, 13.5, 15, and 17 MeV. There was forward peaking at all energies, contrary to calculations on the doublet state in $n-d$ scattering by Aaron, Amado, and Yam. The excitation function shows little structure between 7 and 17 MeV.