Spin polarization of residual nuclei in reactions at 115 MeV

Spin polarization of residual nuclei was studied in ( 14 N , α) reactions by means of a γ-ray circular polarization measurement. Variations with target nucleus, scattering angle and Q-value were systematically investigated. The 197 Au ( 6 Li , α) reaction was investigated for comparison also. We argue the existence of competition between slow multi-step and fast direct- type processes in the ( 14 N , α) reactions on the basis of the observed polarization.