Absorber materials for low-energy neutrons—Theoretical and experimental studies

Abstract Absorber materials for low-energy neutrons are studied in the theoretical framework of quantum mechanics with a complex potential. Analytical expressions and numerical calculations of the neutron reflectivity for perpendicular and isotropic motion towards a surface for four different material classes are presented. Comparative experimental studies of four absorber materials have been carried out: Polyethylene, titanium, boron-10 and lithium stearate. In a quasi-storage experiment with ultracold neutrons the latter material features the highest absorption property.