Beta-Gamma Polarization Correlations

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Abstract
The polarization of the gamma ray emitted at an angle of 90 degrees to the preceding beta particle has been measured for certain beta-gamma cascades in potassium-42, arsenic-76, rubidium-86, antimony-124, and cesium-134, as selected by beta absorbers when necessary. The polarimeter was checked by observing the polarization of the gamma rays of cesium-137 and cobalt-60 when Compton-scattered through 90 degrees. Of the gammas investigated, those of potassium-42 and cesium-134 have no observable polarization. For the other three elements, the sign of the polarization correlation, taken in combination with the sign of the angular correlation reported by other observers, uniquely determines that no parity change occurs in the gamma emission, corresponding to electric quadrupole radiation in decay of the excited state.