Proton polarization in the inclusive photodisintegration of 3He

The polarization P of inclusive protons produced in the interaction of photons with 3He nuclei is measured. The measurements are carried out using a bremsstrahlung photon beam with an end-point energy of 1200 MeV for 688-, 806-, and 917-MeV/c protons emitted at lab angles from 66 to 71 degrees. The results are compared with polarization data for the reaction γD→pn that were obtained under the same kinematic conditions. Within experimental errors, the polarization of inclusive protons is consistent with data obtained for deuteron photodisintegration γD→pn. This suggests that the quasideuteron capture of photons by 3He nuclei is the dominant mechanism. 10 refs., 2 figs