Scaling properties of the longitudinal and transversal asymmetries of the (n)over-right-arrow(d)over-right-arrow total cross section

The longitudinal and transversal asymmetries of the total (n) over right ar row d cross section are calculated. Four modern nucleon-nucleon interaction s: AV18. CD Bonn, NijmI and NijmII, give different predictions for these ob servables. When the three-nucleon Hamiltonian is supplemented by the 2 pi-e xchange Tucson-Melbourne three-nucleon force (3NF), individually adjusted w ith each particular NN potential to reproduce the experimental triton bindi ng energy, all predictions practically coincide. We propose to check this s caling behavior experimentally in order to get a clear signal for 3NF effec ts in the low energy three-nucleon continuum. Connected to that is the prop osal to measure the energy at which the longitudinal asymmetry goes through zero. This energy is shifted by about 400 keV when 3NF's are acting. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.