Linear polarization sensitivity of SeGA detectors

Parity is a key observable in nuclear spectroscopy. Linear polarization measurements of γ -rays are a probe to access the parities of energy levels. Utilizing the segmentation of detectors in the Segmented Germanium Array (SeGA) at the NSCL and analyzing the positions of interaction therein allows the detectors to be used as Compton polarimeters. Unlike other segmented detectors, SeGA detectors are irradiated from the side to utilize the transversal segmentation for better Doppler corrections. Sensitivity in such an orientation has previously been untested. A linear polarization sensitivity Q ≈ 0.14 has been measured in the 350-keV energy range for SeGA detectors using α – γ correlations from a Cf 249 source.