Study of the $^{11}B (\vec{p},\alpha)^8Be$ Reaction using polarized protons below 5.1 MeV.

Cross section and analyzing power data have been obtained for proton energies between 0.4 and 5.1 MeV. The experiment was performed using the TUNL polarized proton beam, eight Silicon-surface barrier detectors, and an enriched $^{11}$B target deposited on a thin carbon backing. Energies below 1.1 MeV were obtained using an Aluminum degrading foil. Preliminary results indicate analyzing powers for the $^{11}B(\vec{p},\alpha_{1})^8Be$* reaction at the $\sim0.675$ MeV resonance which are consistent with zero and a cross section angular distribution which is isotropic. Previous measurements of the absolute angle integrated cross section on top of this resonance have produced results having significant variations. Preliminary results for analyzing powers and cross sections will be presented along with experimental details and possible implications for energy production in an aneutronic $^{11}$B + p fusion reactor.