An accurate determination of the micron + magnetic moment
Using a precession technique, the magnetic moment of the positive micron meson is determined to an accuracy of 0.007%. Muons are brought to rest in a bromoform target situated in a homogeneous magnetic field, oriented at right angles to the initial muon spin direction. The precession of the spin about the field direction, together with the asymmetric decay of the muon, produces a periodic time variation in the probability distribution of electrons emitted in a fixed laboratory direction. The period of this variation is compared with that of a reference oscillator by means of proton measurements of the beat note. The magnetic field at which the precession and reference frequencies coincide is measured with reference to a proton nuclear magnetic resonance magnetometer. The ratio of the muon precession frequency to that of the proton in the same magnetic field is determined to be 3.1834 + or - 0.002. Using a re-evaluated lower limit to the muon mass, a lower limit is yielded on the muon g-factor of 2 (1.00122 + or - 0.00008), in agreement with the predictions of quantum electrodynamics.
- Research Organization:
- Columbia Univ., Irvington-on-Hudson, NY (USA). Nevis Labs.
- OSTI ID:
- 6916952
- Report Number(s):
- AD-220670
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
PRECISE DETERMINATION OF THE MUON MAGNETIC MOMENT
MAGNETIC MOMENT OF THE POSITIVE MUON