Photodisintegration of the Deuteron by 180-Mev and 260-Mev Gamma Rays

The photodisintegration of the deuteron is observed at gamma-ray energies of 180 Mev and 260 Mev. Both a low-temperature compressed-gas target and a ${\mathrm{D}}_2$O-${\mathrm{H}}_2$O subtraction method are used. The photoprotons are detected in a crystal counter telescope. Their angular distribution shows a fairly marked forward asymmetry. The total cross sections at 165 and 230 Mev (c.m.) are 54 and 66 μb, respectively, with an estimated error of 10 percent on the absolute scale.