Beta-Gamma Circular Polarization Correlation Experiments

A circular polarization analyzer for γ rays is described. Measurements on circular polarization of bremsstrahlung due to β particles from P³² and Tm¹⁷⁰ agree with previous and concurrent measurements and, together with Co⁶⁰ circular polarization correlation studies, establish a check on the calculated calibration curve of the analyzer. We have studied the β-γ circular polarization correlation in the following allowed j-j transitions: Na²⁴, Sc⁴⁴, Sc⁴⁶, V⁴⁸, and Co⁵⁸. The result for Sc⁴⁶ indicates the presence of a strong interference between Gamow-Teller and Fermi couplings. The β interaction, therefore, should contain a combination of S and T, or (and) V and A, interactions with small or no phase difference between the interaction constants. If one assumes maximum interference, our experiments give information on the ratio of Gamow-Teller to Fermi interaction. The once-forbidden transition Au¹⁹⁸ gives the maximum possible asymmetry. All results are in agreement with the 2-component neutrino theory and the assumption of V, A or alternatively S, T, P interaction.