Pion Exchange Effects in Elastic Backward Proton-Deuteron Scattering

The elastic backward proton-deuteron scattering is analyzed within a covariant approach based on the Bethe-Salpeter equation with realistic meson-exchange interaction. Contributions of the one-nucleon and one-pion exchange mechanisms to the cross section and polarization observables are investigated in explicit form. Results of numerical calculations for the cross section, tensor analyzing power and spin transfers are presented. The one-pion exchange contribution is essential for describing the spin averaged cross section, while in polarization observables it is found to be less important.