Measurement of the longitudinal analyzing power for noncoplanar p-d breakup

First measurements of the longitudinal analyzing power A_z for noncoplanar p-d breakup at E_p=9 MeV in four kinematically complete configurations are presented. The measurements are compared with Faddeev calculations obtained with the Bonn B nucleon-nucleon interaction and the 2π-exchange Tucson-Melbourne three-nucleon force. The measured analyzing powers and the corresponding theoretical predictions are very small in magnitude and compatible within the error bars of the data. Because of the smallness of A_z, the expected enhanced sensitivity to three-nucleon force effects is not seen in this low energy region. © 1996 The American Physical Society.