Neutron interference from a split-crystal interferometer

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Neutron Optics
• Quantum Interferometry

Background:

• Neutron interferometers are crucial tools for fundamental physics research.
• Traditional neutron interferometers are fabricated from a single crystal block.
• Achieving neutron interference requires extreme precision in crystal alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first successful operation of a neutron interferometer utilizing separate beam-recombining crystals.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of aligning multiple crystals with nanoradian and picometre precision for neutron interference.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the S18 neutron interferometry setup at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL).
• Developed and applied advanced alignment techniques for two separate crystals on nanoradian and picometre scales.
• Collaborated between TU Wien, ILL Grenoble, and INRIM Torino.

Main Results:

• Successfully operated a neutron interferometer with two distinct, precisely aligned crystals.
• Achieved stable neutron interference, proving the viability of the separate-crystal approach.
• Demonstrated a significant advancement over single-crystal fabrication methods.

Conclusions:

• The separate-crystal neutron interferometer represents a new generation of instrument design.
• This proof-of-principle opens avenues for novel neutron interferometry applications.
• The achieved precision in crystal alignment is a key enabler for future developments.