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Production and storage of ultra cold neutrons in superfluid helium

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/334304· OSTI ID:334304
This is the final report of a one-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) concerning the investigation of a new method for the experimental exploitation of ultra-cold neutrons. The production and storage of ultra cold neutrons in superfluid helium has been suggested as a tool for the production of high densities of ultra cold neutrons for fundamental nuclear physics as well as for sensitive measurements for condensed matter. A particular application of this technique has been suggested by Doyle and Lamoreaux that involves the trapping of neutrons in a magnetic field within the superfluid helium volume. Neutron decays within the trap volume are detected by the scintillation light produced in the liquid helium. A cryostat and magnetic trap have been constructed as well as a prototype light detection system. This system was installed on a cold neutron beam line at the NIST Cold Neutron Research Facility in the summer of 1997. Preliminary results indicate the detection of helium scintillation light from the detection vessel.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
334304
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--98-3577; ON: DE99002260
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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