The weak interaction between quarks induces a weak interaction between nucleons. Among the parity-odd phenomena induced by this NN weak interaction is "weak optical activity", namely, a corkscrew motion of the spin of a nucleon about its momentum as it moves through an unpolarized medium. I will describe an experimental attempt to see this effect in the motion of transversely polarized neutrons through helium. I will also try to summarize the theoretical situation in NN weak interactions in general and the impact of the strong NN interaction work at ANL in enabling progress in the field.

Argonne Physics Division Seminar Schedule