Neutron Polarization

The neutron polarization cross section of iron has been measured as a function of energy from 0.7 to 3.3A by two methods: using the single transmission effect in a block of polycrystalline iron at energies selected by a quartz crystal monochromator; and using a single crystal of magnetized magnetite to analyze the beam emerging from the iron polarizer, the magnetite crystal itself serving as monochromator. The measured values are compared with those of other observers and the theoretically expected values. These are found to agree fairly well within the limits of accuracy of the measurements and existing knowledge of the wave function of the iron $3d$ shell. The two techniques were used also to determine the average polarization (32 percent) as seen by a $\frac{1}{v}$ detector in a beam of reactor neutrons emerging from a 4-cm thick polarizing block of iron. Problems and techniques associated with the measurement of the average polarization of a continuous spectrum are discussed. A simplified experimental treatment of the problem of beam "hardening" is described. A description is given of the use of the magnetic resonance method in conjunction with a single-crystal magnetite analyzer for the measurement of neutron polarization.