Abstract:
Introduction: In this chapter the present status of our understanding of the
interaction of five and fewer nucleons will be briefly summarized. Some of
the gaps in our knowledge will be pointed out, making clear the motivation for
the experimental work described in the remainder of the thesis.
Since most of the experimental effort by the author has been directed
towards scattering of neutrons by protons, the nucleon - nucleon problem will
be considered in greater detail. In speaking of this, the simplest problem
in nuclear physics, M.L. Goldberger made the following remarks at the 1960
Midwest Conference on Theoretical Physics:
"There are few problems in modern theoretical physics which have
attracted more attention than that of trying to determine the fundamental
interaction between two nucleons. It is also true that scarcely ever has the
world of physics owed so little to so many .. . . . . . In general, in surveying
the field, one is oppressed by the unbelievable confusion and conflict that
exists. It is hard to believe that many of the authors are talking about the
same problem, or in fact that they know what the problem is."