Inclusive inelastic scattering of 96.5-MeV π+ and π- by the hydrogen and helium isotopes

Spectra, angular distributions, and integrated cross sections for inclusive inelastic scattering of 96.5-MeV pi+ and pi- from H-2, He-3, and He-4 are presented. The measurements were made using a high-pressure gas cell, which permits an accurate determination of relative cross sections for all targets. The data are compared with distorted-wave impulse-approximation calculations and with a modified plane-wave impulse-approximation calculation. In addition, by combining the total inelastic cross sections from this work with estimates of single-charge-exchange cross sections and with published values and reasonable estimates of the other pi+ cross sections at the same energy, values for total reaction and pion absorption cross sections are obtained for all the targets. The dependence of these cross sections on Z, N, nuclear density, and nuclear binding energy is discussed in terms of a simple model.