Scattering of Low-Energy Neutrons by Deuterons

Neutron-deuteron scattering lengths are calculated by a new variational method which makes provision for polarization (space distortion) of the deuteron. Central Gaussian potentials are employed to represent the two-body interaction, and the trial function is also Gaussian in nature. The results indicate that polarization is not important in either spin state, except for that which is automatically provided by the exclusion principle. The calculated scattering lengths are not in good agreement with either of the two experimentally allowed sets.