Operation model of a skew-symmetric split-crystal neutron interferometer
Carlo P Sasso1, Giovanni Mana1,2, Enrico Massa1
1INRIM - Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Strada delle cacce 91, 10135 Torino, Italy.
Journal of Applied Crystallography
|February 7, 2024
Summary
Neutron interference experiments using triple Laue interferometers demonstrate the feasibility of skew-symmetric designs. Manufacturing tolerances and crystal alignment are critical for maintaining interference visibility with both coherent and incoherent neutron sources.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Neutron Optics
Background:
- Neutron interferometry is a powerful tool for fundamental physics research.
- Triple Laue interferometers offer unique capabilities for manipulating neutron beams.
- Previous studies primarily focused on coherent sources and specific interferometer geometries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the construction and operation of skew-symmetric neutron interferometers.
- To determine the impact of manufacturing tolerances and crystal alignment on interference visibility.
- To analyze the performance of these interferometers with incoherent neutron sources.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a triple Laue interferometer composed of two separate crystals.
- Investigated skew-symmetric configurations with extended arm separation.
- Modeled incoherent sources using a Gaussian Schell model.
- Considered three-dimensional interferometer operation.
Main Results:
- Established the feasibility of skew-symmetric neutron interferometers.
- Identified critical specifications for manufacturing and alignment to ensure high interference visibility.
- Demonstrated that an incoherent Gaussian Schell source yields the same integrated particle density as a coherent Gaussian source with a radius equal to the coherence length.
Conclusions:
- Skew-symmetric triple Laue interferometers are viable for advanced neutron optics applications.
- Precise control over manufacturing and alignment is essential for optimal performance.
- The use of incoherent sources does not compromise the integrated particle density output compared to coherent sources.
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