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Observation of the radiative decay mode of the free neutron

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffrey S. Nico

    (Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • Maynard S. Dewey

    (Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • Thomas R. Gentile

    (Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • H. Pieter Mumm

    (Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • Alan K. Thompson

    (Physics Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology)

  • Brian M. Fisher

    (Tulane University)

  • Isaac Kremsky

    (Tulane University)

  • Fred E. Wietfeldt

    (Tulane University)

  • Timothy E. Chupp

    (University of Michigan)

  • Robert L. Cooper

    (University of Michigan)

  • Elizabeth J. Beise

    (University of Maryland)

  • Kristin G. Kiriluk

    (University of Maryland)

  • James Byrne

    (University of Sussex)

  • Kevin J. Coakley

    (Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology)

Abstract

Radiation: the beta test Radioactive beta-decay of the neutron produces a proton, electron and antineutrino. Quantum electrodynamics predicts that a continuous spectrum of soft photons should accompany these decay products. This radiation has been measured previously in nuclear beta and electron capture decay, but not in free neutron decay. Now radioactive beta decay, complete with photons, has been observed for free neutrons in an experiment at the NG-6 (Neutron Guide 6) facility of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The resulting measurements are in line with theory, and this advance may provide opportunities for more detailed investigations of the weak interaction processes involved in neutron beta decay.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey S. Nico & Maynard S. Dewey & Thomas R. Gentile & H. Pieter Mumm & Alan K. Thompson & Brian M. Fisher & Isaac Kremsky & Fred E. Wietfeldt & Timothy E. Chupp & Robert L. Cooper & Elizabeth J. Be, 2006. "Observation of the radiative decay mode of the free neutron," Nature, Nature, vol. 444(7122), pages 1059-1062, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:444:y:2006:i:7122:d:10.1038_nature05390
    DOI: 10.1038/nature05390
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