R-matrix formulation and phase shifts for n-He and p-He scattering for energies up to 20 MeV

An R-matrix formulation for a single level with a background approximation has been used to analyse n-⁴He and p-⁴He elastic scattering data below the inelastic thresholds near 22 MeV. For every partial wave a single level and a distant pole contribution constant with energy has been employed. Simple relations between neutron and proton scattering parameters have been sought to possibly derive more dependable values for neutron phase shifts and analysing powers at energies where little experimental information exists. The R-matrix parameters corresponding to ⁵He and ⁵Li ground and 1st excited states, phase shifts up to 20 MeV and neutron analysing powers up to 15 MeV are given in tabular form and are compared to results of earlier analyses. Differences in n-⁴He phase shifts are discussed and shown to be due to a scarcity of accurate neutron scattering data above 11 MeV. Some typical fits to n-⁴He scattering data are shown.