Precision positron polarimetry: A new technique in weak-interaction studies

The development of the positron polarization comparator is described. It consists of a magnetic (AIPHA)-ray spectrometer coupled to a positron polarimeter. This device is capable of comparing the polarization of positrons from two different nuclei to an accuracy which we estimate to ultimately reach 2 x 10(+4), thus enabling investigations of weak interaction features previously inaccessible to experiment. The current comparator system, including the results of studies of the systematic effects to be anticipated in such devices, is described.