Ultracold Neutrons

Ultracold Neutrons is a guide to a fascinating topic. It describes how a simple new idea in experimental neutron physics has changed the landscape of what is often called 'fundamental physics.' Ultracold neutrons (UCNs) are neutrons moving at the low speed of a bicycle rider. They were produced for the first time 50 years ago (in 1968) and are distinguished from ordinary neutrons with much higher energies by their ability to be confined in 'neutron bottles' for durations up to several hundred seconds. This is possible since they are reflected back and forth from the container walls many thousands of times with very little loss. As a result of these long observation times, their properties and interactions with the environment can be studied with superb precision.Directed towards a general readership, this book is an excellent introduction to a field of research that is not highly specialized but touches on many aspects of our physical world, classical as well as quantum mechanical.Contents: IntroductionThe Early History of Very Low Energy NeutronsNeutron Interactions Relevant in the UCN Energy RangeSources of Ultracold NeutronsTotal Cross-Section Measurements with Very Low Energy NeutronsUCN and VCN Reflection, Transmission and Scattering at Material WallsNeutron Optical Experiments Probing the Wave Properties of Ultracold NeutronsHigh-Resolution UCN SpectroscopyPossibility of Microscopy and Interferometry with Ultracold NeutronsGravitational Quantum States of the NeutronMeasurement of the Neutron Lifetime for Beta DecaySearch for the Electric Dipole Moment of the Neutron Using Stored Ultracold NeutronsFurther UCN Applications in Fundamental PhysicsAppendices
Readership: General audience with interest in fundamental physics. Undergraduate and graduate students fresh to the field of ultracold neutrons (UCNs), interested in experimental techniques and challenges in UCNs. Researchers in the aforementioned field.Ultracold Neutrons;Neutron Scattering;Beta Decay;Neutron Lifetime;Neutron Electric Dipole Moment;Gravitational Neutron States;Symmetries0Key Features:There are very few books on the topic and they are all very oldThe new book not only includes the extensive work performed during the decades since these earlier publications but is designed to appeal also to a science-oriented general audience as well as to students