Probing the electric neutrality of the neutron

• Applicant: Dr. Katharina Durstberger-Rennhofer
• Subject Area: Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, Fields
• Term: from 2010 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 167716080

We propose to test neutron’s neutrality at small distances by a new technique using quantum interference. The idea is to explore a system consisting of a particle, the ultra-cold neutron, and a macroscopic object, a mirror-system, and its precise measurement of quantum de Broglie phases as a function of an electric field. The readout will be done by an application of Ramsey’s method of separated oscillating fields to quantum states in the gravity potential above a vertical mirror. At small distances, a higher electric field than in previous measurements can be achieved. By using ultracold neutrons stored for up to 100 s, the observation time can be increased by several orders of magnitude.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1491: Precision Experiments in Particle- and Astrophysics with Cold and Ultracold Neutrons
• International Connection: Austria