Mathematical simulation of few-nucleon experiments with three or more particles in the final state

Abstract

A computer program for the kinematic simulation of nuclear reactions with three or more particles in the final state is described. Simulation results for the d + ²H → (nn)^S + (pp)^S → p + p + n + n reaction, which proceeds through the formation of a singlet dineutron and diproton in the intermediate state, are presented as an example. It is shown that the kinematic parameters of breakup particles depend on the parameters of the intermediate state. The results from simulating secondary neutron spectra are compared to an experimental neutron time-of-flight spectrum obtained in a kinematically complete experiment at a deuteron energy of 15 MeV. As a result of the comparison, the energy of the quasi-bound singlet ¹S₀ state of the ²n-system is determined.