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Magnetic trapping of neutrons

Author

Listed:
  • P. R. Huffman

    (Harvard University
    National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • C. R. Brome

    (Harvard University)

  • J. S. Butterworth

    (Harvard University
    Institut Laue-Langevin)

  • K. J. Coakley

    (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • M. S. Dewey

    (Institut Laue-Langevin)

  • S. N. Dzhosyuk

    (Harvard University)

  • R. Golub

    (Hahn-Meitner-Institut)

  • G. L. Greene

    (University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663)

  • K. Habicht

    (Hahn-Meitner-Institut)

  • S. K. Lamoreaux

    (University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663)

  • C. E. H. Mattoni

    (Harvard University)

  • D. N. McKinsey

    (Harvard University)

  • F. E. Wietfeldt

    (Harvard University
    National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • J. M. Doyle

    (Harvard University)

Abstract

Accurate measurement of the lifetime of the neutron (which is unstable to beta decay) is important for understanding the weak nuclear force1 and the creation of matter during the Big Bang2. Previous measurements of the neutron lifetime have mainly been limited by certain systematic errors3; however, these could in principle be avoided by performing measurements on neutrons stored in a magnetic trap. Neutral-particle and charged-particle traps are widely used for studying both composite and elementary particles, because they allow long interaction times and isolation of particles from perturbing environments4. Here we report the magnetic trapping of neutrons. The trapping region is filled with superfluid 4He, which is used to load neutrons into the trap and as a scintillator to detect their decay. Neutrons in the trap have a lifetime of 750+330-200 seconds, mainly limited by their beta decay rather than trap losses. Our experiment verifies theoretical predictions regarding the loading process and magnetic trapping of neutrons. Further refinement of this method should lead to improved precision in the neutron lifetime measurement.

Suggested Citation

  • P. R. Huffman & C. R. Brome & J. S. Butterworth & K. J. Coakley & M. S. Dewey & S. N. Dzhosyuk & R. Golub & G. L. Greene & K. Habicht & S. K. Lamoreaux & C. E. H. Mattoni & D. N. McKinsey & F. E. Wiet, 2000. "Magnetic trapping of neutrons," Nature, Nature, vol. 403(6765), pages 62-64, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:403:y:2000:i:6765:d:10.1038_47444
    DOI: 10.1038/47444
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