Fragment spin polarizations as a probe of heavy ion reaction dynamics

Determination of fragment polarizations provides a unique tool for learning about the trajectories and reaction mechanisms associated with heavy ion induced reactions. It is now possible to understand in a unified way the results of projectile and residual-nucleus polarization studies for both positive and negative Q values, including deeply inelastic collisions, in terms of simple nucleon or cluster exchanges. The sensitivity of the sign of the deflection angle to the strength of the internuclear potential is also discussed. (author)