Spin-flip probability in the inelastic scattering of 16.9 MeV neutrons from 12C

The neutron spin-flip probability S(θ) for inelastic scattering of unpolarized 16.9 MeV neutrons to the 4.44 MeV state of ¹²C has been determined by measuring the absolute directional correlation between the scattered neutrons and the subsequent E2 deexcitation γ- radiation emitted perpendicular to the scattering plane. Time-of-flight techniques with carbon recoil detection in a plastic scintillator were used to separate elastically and inelastically scattered neutrons. The neutron spin-flip data were found to be in close agreement with 20.0 MeV proton spin-flip results. Comparison of the measurement is made with the predictions of a microscopic antisymmetrized distorted wave calculation in which the direct reaction mechanism is supplemented by a two step resonance contribution. This theoretical analysis reveals the presence of a strong quadrupole resonance at 20.5 MeV excitation in ¹²C. The results are also influenced to a lesser extent by the E1 giant dipole resonance.