An experimental test of the Siberian Snake concept

A spin precession solenoid is used to study the {dollar}Ggamma{dollar} = 2 depolarizing resonance in a hexagonal proton synchrotron. Precession of the spin by 180 degrees in each revolution provides the first experimental test of the Siberian Snake concept. The theory of partial snakes is then tested using spin rotations of less than 180 degrees. The theory of depolarizing resonances and several methods for their elimination are briefly discussed. Finally, the spin precession solenoids and polarimeters used in the experiment are described and the results examined in light of the utility of snakes for acceleration of polarized protons through depolarizing resonances.