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Abstract

The polarized and unpolarized differential cross-sections and the analyzing power angular distributions of the pp→π⁺ d reaction have been measured to a statistical precision of better than one percent over several incident proton beam energies between 350 and 500 MeV for center-of-mass angles from 20° to 150°. The unpolarized differential cross-sections were measured at 350, 375, 425, and 475 MeV with unpolarized incident beams. The polarized differential cross-sections and analyzing powers were measured at 375, 450, and 498 MeV using polarized incident beams. Angular distributions of the unpolarized and polarized differential cross-sections are expanded into Legendre and Associated Legendre polynomial series respectively, and the ai°° and biⁿ° expansion coefficients fit to the respective measurements. The resulting coefficients are compared with existing data and recent theoretical predictions. The observation of significant non-zero a₆°° coefficent is interpreted as indication of a significant contribution from the ¹G₄ N-N partial wave channel at energies as low as 498 MeV.