0000000000144516
AUTHOR
C. Siemensen
Search for an electric charge of the neutron
The electrical neutrality of the neutron is linked to the electric charge quantization. It is not understood yet if the electric charge is quantized or not. Since the discovery of the neutron, many attempts have been made to measure its electric charge ${q}_{n}$ directly and indirectly. We present a method to search for a possible ${q}_{n}$ by means of an optical setup using ultracold neutrons. In a first run, a statistical sensitivity of $\ensuremath{\delta}{q}_{n}=2.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}20}\text{ }\text{ }e/\sqrt{\mathrm{day}}$ is achieved. Possible improvements to increase this sensitivity down to $\ensuremath{\delta}{q}_{n}\ensuremath{\approx}1\ifmmode\…
Comparison of ultracold neutron sources for fundamental physics measurements
Ultracold neutrons (UCNs) are key for precision studies of fundamental parameters of the neutron and in searches for new CP violating processes or exotic interactions beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. The most prominent example is the search for a permanent electric dipole moment of the neutron (nEDM). We have performed an experimental comparison of the leading UCN sources currently operating. We have used a 'standard' UCN storage bottle with a volume of 32 liters, comparable in size to nEDM experiments, which allows us to compare the UCN density available at a given beam port.
Improved instrument for the determination of the neutron electric charge
Abstract We present an improved instrument for the determination of the neutron electric charge with ultracold neutrons. Several technical upgrades with respect to a former experiment will be discussed in detail. As a first test, we applied the apparatus to investigate the influence of gravitational attraction by means of a massive block of lead. The calculated sensitivity for a charge measurement is δ q n ≈ 2.14 × 10 − 20 e / day . Planned modifications increasing the sensitivity up to δ q n ≈ 1.34 × 10 − 21 e / day are demonstrated.