The Radial Dependence of the Tensor Force in the Deuteron

The properties of the deuteron are discussed by means of a neutron-proton potential consisting of but two terms: ordinary force and tensor force, with different radial dependences. Assuming the latter to be square wells of different ranges, the wave functions corresponding to selected pairs of radii for the ordinary and tensor wells are computed, and from these the quadrupole moment is calculated. In summary, the results indicate that (a) no special pair of ranges appears preferred in the light of scattering experiments and of the comparison between observed and calculated magnetic moments, (b) the binding energies of heavy nuclei apparently limit the ordinary force range to about (2.6±0.1)×${10}^{-13\mathrm{}}$ cm, and (c) all empirical data may be fitted, within experimental error, by a very simple potential with equal ranges: $-[1+S_{12}]J\left(r\right)\mathrm{}$, with $J\left(r\right)\mathrm{}$ a square well of depth 13.25 Mev, and of radius 2.663×${10}^{-13\mathrm{}}$ cm.