Differential cross sections for ${\pi }^{+}\mathrm{d}$ and ${\pi }^{-}\mathrm{d}$ elastic scattering have been measured and compared at 256 MeV in order to provide a sensitive test of charge symmetry in nuclear interactions. New methods for calculating external and internal Coulomb corrections are presented and compared with data at 143 and 256 MeV. Sensitivities to mass and width differences among the components of the $\Delta$ resonance are determined. Accurate absolute ${\pi }^{-}\mathrm{d}$ cross sections were measured for the first time at 256 MeV; the ${\pi }^{+}\mathrm{d}$ differential cross sections agree well with other measurements.

• Received 23 July 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.30.2010