The Photoelectric Effect of the Deuteron

Theoretical cross sections for the dissociation of the deuteron by absorption of $\gamma$-rays, the Chadwick-Goldhaber effect, have been calculated, by using a square well law of potential, both of the ordinary type and of the Majorana type. The curves of cross section as a function of energy for various assumed widths are given. For widths less than 2 × ${10}^{-13\mathrm{}}$ cm they are quite similar in shape for either type of interaction. For greater widths the ordinary potential shows a fairly sharp peak at 4.7 MEV (for a width of 4 × ${10}^{-13\mathrm{}}$ cm) whereas the Majorana shows for the same width a much flatter maximum at 6.2 MEV. It is pointed out that suitable measurements of relative cross sections would give a means of telling which type of interaction is obeyed and give an approximate figure for the range of interaction.