Single spin asymmetries of inclusive hadrons produced in electron scattering from a transversely polarized [superscript 3]He target

Abstract

We report the first measurement of target single spin asymmetries (A[subscript N]) in the inclusive hadron production reaction, e + [superscript 3]He[superscript ↑] → h + X, using a transversely polarized [superscript 3]He target. The experiment was conducted at Jefferson Lab in Hall A using a 5.9-GeV electron beam. Three types of hadrons (π[superscript ±], K[superscript ±], and proton) were detected in the transverse hadron momentum range 0.54 < p[subscript T] < 0.74 GeV/c. The range of x[subscript F] for pions was −0.29 < x[subscript F] < −0.23 and for kaons was −0.25 < x[subscript F] < −0.18. The observed asymmetry strongly depends on the type of hadron. A positive asymmetry is observed for π[superscript +] and K[superscript +]. A negative asymmetry is observed for π[superscript −]. The magnitudes of the asymmetries follow ∣∣A[superscript π−] |<| A[superscript π+] |<| A[superscript K+]∣∣. The K[superscript −] and proton asymmetries are consistent with zero within the experimental uncertainties. The π[superscript +] and π[superscript −] asymmetries measured for the [superscript 3]He target and extracted for neutrons are opposite in sign with a small increase observed as a function of p[subscript T].