NCNR Neutron Interferometry Facilities Post Cold Source Upgrade

The NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) operates a 20 MW reactor for material and nuclear science.  Perfect-crystal neutron interferometry (NI) has proven to be a precise technique for measuring the quantum mechanical phase of a neutron caused by a potential energy difference between two spatially separated neutron paths.   These paths can be separated in space by several centimeters allowing for precise control of the neutron’s wavefunction along each path using macroscopic elements.

What makes perfect-crystal interferometry a compelling technique is its simple-to-interpret results.  Perfect-crystal NI has been used to study nuclear physics, quantum information, orbital angular momentum, gravity, and place limits on cosmological models.    There are 2 NI facilities at the NCNR.   One of these focuses on high-precision phase measurements in a one-of-a-kind environmentally isolated enclosure. The second facility is based on advanced measurement techniques to suppress noise in a more accessible platform.  

The reactor is currently down for unplanned maintenance. Following the reactor returning to operations, the NCNR plans to undergo an upgrade of its cold source shifting the peak neutron intensity to slower neutrons. Impacts and changes to the neutron interferometry facilities at the NCNR post cold source will be discussed.