Surface Roughness Effect on Ultracold Neutron Interaction With a Wall and Implications for Computer Simulations

Authors

Albert Steyerl, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Surendra S. Malik, University of Rhode IslandFollow
A. M. Desai, University of Rhode Island
Charles Kaufman, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

5-28-2010

Abstract

We review the diffuse scattering and the loss coefficient in ultracold neutron reflection from slightly rough surfaces, report a surprising reduction in loss coefficient due to roughness, and discuss the possibility of transition from quantum treatment to ray optics. The results are used in a computer simulation of neutron storage in a recent neutron lifetime experiment that reported a large discrepancy of neutron lifetime with the current particle data value. Our partial reanalysis suggests the possibility of systematic effects that were not included in this publication.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Steyerl, A., Malik, S. S., Desai A. M., & Kaufman, C. (2010). Surface Roughness Effect on Ultracold Neutron Interaction With a Wall and Implications for Computer Simulations. Physical Review C. 81(5), 055505. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevC.81.055505

Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.81.055505

Publisher Statement

Copyright 2010 American Physical Society.