3He(γ,d)p and a test of time reversal invariance

The two-body photodisintegration of 3He is an attractive reaction with which to test time reversal invariance of the electromagnetic interaction at intermediate energies by means of a detailed-balance comparison with the inverse process. Measurements of both 3He(γ,d)p and d(p,γ)3He have been performed, but the discrepancies among the photodisintegration measurements have been so large as to make no clear comparison possible. The authors have performed a new measurement of 3He(γ,d)p at the M.I.T. Bates Linear Accelerator, which is briefly outlined. Preliminary results do not appear to indicate as large an apparant violation of detailed balance as is implied by other recent measurements. (Auth.)