Determination of the Neutron Lifetime using Magnetically Trapped Neutrons

North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC

Investigators

Abstract

The neutron is stable when confined inside a nucleus. Once removed however, it is known to live for only about 15 minutes, decaying into a proton, electron, and neutrino. Scientists would like a more accurate and reliable value of the lifetime for understanding both the early days of the universe and the forces that govern many of the processes that we observe each day. We are in the process of measuring the lifetime of the neutron by confining them using magnetic fields. Once confined, we are able to directly observe each neutron decay, allowing us to measure the lifetime with improved accuracy. This collaborative effort provides an excellent opportunity for both graduate and undergraduate students to participate in a broad spectrum of research that encompasses the areas of nuclear, low-temperature, atomic, and condensed matter physics. Training future researchers in the field of neutron physics is also essential to insure the ultimate success of new neutron facilities being construted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Many of the techniques developed will enable other experiments that seek to improve our understanding of the Standard Model of Physics, which describes all particles and their interactions in the world in which we live.