On measuring the neutron coherent scattering length with ultrahigh precision

We propose an order of magnitude improvement in the present five parts in 105 precision of a nondispersive interferometric measurement of the neutron coherent scattering lengthbc. For this purpose we make a judicious selection of the Bragg angle for the interferometer and the sample thickness. The p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pramāṇa 2004-08, Vol.63 (2), p.375-379
Main Authors: Abbas, Sohrab, Wagh, Apoorva G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bragg angle
Bragg equation
Coherent scattering
Neutron beams
Refractivity
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Summary:We propose an order of magnitude improvement in the present five parts in 105 precision of a nondispersive interferometric measurement of the neutron coherent scattering lengthbc. For this purpose we make a judicious selection of the Bragg angle for the interferometer and the sample thickness. The precision is further improved by an optimal choice of the Bragg reflection (and a consequent neutron wavelength). By performing the experiment in vacuum, errors arising from possible variations in the pressure, composition or humidity of the ambient air can be eliminated. On attaining such precision, we ought to account for the neutron beam refraction at the sample-ambient interfaces, to infer the correctbc from the observed phase. The formula for the phase used hitherto is approximate and would significantly overestimatebc. The refractive index for neutrons can thus be determined to a phenomenal precision of a few parts in 1012.
ISSN:0304-4289
0973-7111
DOI:10.1007/BF02705001