Polarization and Differential Cross Sections in the Small-Angle Scattering of Neutrons by Uranium

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Abstract
A measurement of the polarization as well as the differential cross section of 0.83-MeV neutrons scattered from uranium through angles of 1.65°, 2.35°, 4.6°, and 10° is described. The observed increase in the differential cross section with decreasing angle is greater (by more than a standard deviation for the three smallest angles) than that expected from nuclear plus Schwinger scattering alone. No corresponding anomalous polarization effects are seen, however. The results of these and previous measurements suggest that this anomalous scattering may be coupled to the fission process. The importance of correcting the measured differential cross sections for finite-solid-angle effects is discussed.