Neutron–proton analyzing power at 12 MeV and inconsistencies in parametrizations of nucleon–nucleon data

We present the most accurate and complete data set for the analyzing power Ay(θ)Ay(θ) in neutron–proton scattering. The experimental data were corrected for the effects of multiple scattering, both in the center detector and in the neutron detectors. The final data at En=12.0 MeVEn=12.0 MeV deviate considerably from the predictions of nucleon–nucleon phase-shift analyses and potential models. The impact of the new data on the value of the charged pion–nucleon coupling constant is discussed in a model study.