Single spin asymmetries of inclusive hadrons produced in electron scattering from a transversely polarized 3He target

We report the first measurement of target single spin asymmetries (AN) in the inclusive hadron production reaction, e + He-3(up arrow)-> h + X, using a transversely polarized He-3 target. The experiment was conducted at Jefferson Lab in Hall A using a 5.9-GeV electron beam. Three types of hadrons (pi(+/-), K-+/-, and proton) were detected in the transverse hadron momentum range 0.54 < pr < 0.74 GeV/c. The range of x(F) for pions was -0.29 < x(F) < -0.23 and for kaons was -0.25 < x(F) < -0.18. The observed asymmetry strongly depends on the type of hadron. A positive asymmetry is observed for pi(+) and K+. A negative asymmetry is observed for pi(-). The magnitudes of the asymmetries follow vertical bar A(pi-vertical bar) vertical bar < vertical bar A(pi+)vertical bar < vertical bar A(K+)vertical bar. The K- and proton asymmetries are consistent with zero within the experimental uncertainties. The pi(+) and pi(-) asymmetries measured for the He-3 target and extracted for neutrons are opposite in sign with a small increase observed as a function of p(T).