Threshold electrodisintegration and electromagnetic form factors of the deuteron

The threshold electrodisintegration cross section and electromagnetic form factors of the deuteron are calculated by using the Argonne ${\mathit{v}}_{14}$ model for the nucleon-nucleon interaction to generate the bound- and scattering-state wave functions. The exchange-current operator is constructed to be consistent with the interaction model. The calculated electrodisintegration cross section is in good qualitative agreement with the experimental data over the whole measured momentum-transfer range, and is sensitive to the electromagnetic form factors of the nucleon. The calculated form factors appear to be in good agreement with the empirical values, although uncertainties in the isoscalar model-dependent exchange-current contributions and nucleon electromagnetic form factors prevent definite predictions to be made at high values of momentum transfer. Finally, the cross section for radiative capture of thermal neutrons on protons is found to be within less than 1% of the measured value.