Measured velocity spectra and neutron densities of the PF2 ultracold-neutron beam ports at the Institut Laue–Langevin

Abstract

Ultracold neutrons (UCNs) are a useful tool for fundamental physics experiments. They can be used to probe the lifetime of free neutrons, search for new CP violating processes and exotic interactions beyond the Standard Model, perform Ramsey spectroscopy, and carry out neutron-optical interference experiments. All of these experiments require high neutron count rates for good statistics. For optimal exploitation of experimental beam time, these experiments need to be prepared and, at times, even simulated in advance. To this end, it is crucial to know the velocity-dependent UCN flux at each beam position. Knowing the absolute neutron flux also allows for an absolute calibration of previously gathered data. Using the same time-of-fight experimental setup, we have measured the differential neutron flux of three out of the four UCN beam ports at the PF2 instrument at Institut Laue–Langevin, Grenoble. These beam ports are commonly used for UCN flux experiments and proof-of-principle tests.