Measurement of the Neutron Lifetime Using a Gravitational Trap and a Low-Temperature Fomblin Coating

We present a new value for the neutron lifetime of 878.5 ± 0.7_stat. ± 0.3_syst. This result differs from the world average value by 6.5 standard deviations and by 5.6 standard deviations from the previous most precise result. However, this new value for the neutron lifetime together with a β-asymmetry in neutron decay, A₀, of −0.1189(7) is in a good agreement with the Standard Model.     

Neutron Lifetime Experiment Based on an Accordion-Like UCN Storage Volume Coated With “Low Temperature Fomblin”

A new type of per-fluorinated polymer, “Low Temperature Fomblin,” has been tested as a wall coating in an ultracold neutron (UCN) storage experiment using a gravitational storage system. The data show a UCN reflection loss coefficient η as low as ≈ 5 × 10⁻⁶ in the temperature range 105 K to 150 K. We plan to use this oil in a new type of neutron lifetime measurement, where a bellows system (“accordion”) enables to vary the trap size in a wide range while the total surface area and distribution of surface area over height remain constant. These unique characteristics, in combination with application of the scaling technique developed by W. Mampe et al. in 1989, ensure exact linearity for the extrapolation from inverse storage lifetimes to the inverse neutron lifetime. Linearity holds for any energy dependence of loss coefficient µ(E). Using the UCN source at the Institut Laue Langevin we expect to achieve a lifetime precision below ±1 s.     

Measurement of the Coherent Neutron Scattering Length of 3He

By means of neutron interferometry the s-wave neutron scattering length of the ³He nucleus was re-measured at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL). Using a skew symmetrical perfect crystal Si-interferometer and a linear twin chamber cell, false phase shifts due to sample misalignment were reduced to a negligible level. Simulation calculations suggest an asymmetrically alternating measuring sequence in order to compensate for systematic errors caused by thermal phase drifts. There is evidence in the experiment’s data that this procedure is indeed effective. The neutron refractive index in terms of Sears’ exact expression for the scattering amplitude has been analyzed in order to evaluate the measured phase shifts. The result of our measurement, b′_c = (6.000 ± 0.009) fm, shows a deviation towards a greater value compared to the presently accepted value of b′_c = (5.74 ± 0.07) fm, confirming the observation of the partner experiment at NIST. On the other hand, the results of both precision measurements at NIST and ILL exhibit a serious 12σ (12 standard uncertainties) deviation, the reason for which is not clear yet.     

On the Measurement of the Neutron Lifetime Using Ultracold Neutrons in a Vacuum Quadrupole Trap

We present a conceptual design for an experiment to measure the neutron lifetime (~886 s) with an accuracy of 10⁻⁴. The lifetime will be measured by observing the decay rate of a sample of ultracold neutrons (UCN) confined in vacuum in a magnetic trap. The UCN collaboration at Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a prototype UCN source that is expected to produce a bottled UCN density of more than 100/cm³ [1]. The availability of such an intense source makes it possible to approach the measurement of the neutron lifetime in a new way. We argue below that it is possible to measure the neutron lifetime to 10⁻⁴ in a vacuum magnetic trap. The measurement involves no new technology beyond the expected UCN density. If even higher densities are available, the experiment can be made better and/or less expensive. We present the design and methodology for the measurement. The slow loss of neutrons that have stable orbits, but are not energetically trapped would produce a systematic uncertainty in the measurement. We discuss a new approach, chaotic cleaning, to the elimination of quasi-neutrons from the trap by breaking the rotational symmetry of the quadrupole trap. The neutron orbits take on a chaotic character and mode mixing causes the neutrons on the quasi-bound orbits to leave the trap.     

Measurement of the Parity-Violating Neutron Spin Rotation in 4He

In the meson exchange model of weak nucleon-nucleon (NN) interactions, the exchange of virtual mesons between the nucleons is parameterized by a set of weak meson exchange amplitudes. The strengths of these amplitudes from theoretical calculations are not well known, and experimental measurements of parity-violating (PV) observables in different nuclear systems have not constrained their values. Transversely polarized cold neutrons traveling through liquid helium experience a PV spin rotation due to the weak interaction with an angle proportional to a linear combination of these weak meson exchange amplitudes. A measurement of the PV neutron spin rotation in helium (φ_PV (n,α)) would provide information about the relative strengths of the weak meson exchange amplitudes, and with the longitudinal analyzing power measurement in the p + α system, allow the first comparison between isospin mirror systems in weak NN interaction. An earlier experiment performed at NIST obtained a result consistent with zero: φ_PV (n,α) = (8.0 ±14(stat) ±2.2(syst)) ×10⁻⁷ rad / m[1]. We describe a modified apparatus using a superfluid helium target to increase statistics and reduce systematic effects in an effort to reach a sensitivity goal of 10⁻⁷ rad/m.     

A Double-Primary Dead-Weight Tester for Pressures (35–175) kPa in Gage Mode

Primary pressure standards in the atmospheric pressure range are often established using mercury manometers. Less frequently, controlled-clearance dead-weight testers in which one component (normally the piston) has been dimensionally measured have also been used. Recent advances in technology on two fronts i) the fabrication of large-diameter pistons and cylinders with good geometry; and ii) the ability to measure the dimensions of these components, have allowed some dead-weight testers at NIST to approach total relative uncertainties (k = 2) in dimensionally-derived effective areas near 5 × 10⁻⁶. This paper describes a single piston/cylinder assembly (NIST-PG201WC/WC) that serves as both a primary gage in which both piston and cylinder are measured dimensionally and a controlled-clearance primary gage (employing the Heydemann-Welch method). Thus it allows some previous assumptions about the modeling of dead-weight testers to be checked. For the gage described in this paper the piston/cylinder clearance obtained from the two analyses have relative differences of 4 × 10⁻⁶ to 7 × 10⁻⁶ over the pressure range 35 kPa to 175 kPa. Some implications of these results will be discussed. From the dimensional characterizations and auxiliary measurements we have determined that the effective area for this gauge at 20 °C is: A_eff,20 = 1961.0659mm²(1 + 3.75 × 10^?12P/Pa + 3.05 × 10^?12P_J/Pa), where P is the system pressure and P_J is a control pressure. The estimated relative uncertainty in effective area is 8.2 × 10⁻⁶ +1.4 × 10⁻¹¹ P/Pa (k = 2). The temperature coefficient for the area was measured and found to be (9.06 ± 0.04) × 10⁻⁶/K. Thus using the gage at a reference temperature of 23 °C yields an effective area: A_eff,23 = 1961.1192mm²(1 + 3.75 × 10^?12P/Pa + 3.05 × 10^?12P_J/Pa), with almost no increase in the uncertainty over that at 20 °C.     

Preparation and Calibration of Carrier-Free 209Po Solution Standards

Carrier-free ²⁰⁹Po solution standards have been prepared and calibrated. The standards, which will be disseminated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology as Standard Reference Material SRM 4326, consist of (5.1597 ±0.0024) g of a solution of polonium in nominal 2 mol · L⁻¹ hydrochloric acid (having a solution density of (1.031±0.004) g · mL⁻¹ at 22 °C) that is contained in 5 mL flame-sealed borosilicate glass ampoules, and are certified to contain a ²⁰⁹Po alpha-particle emission rate concentration of (85.42±0.29) s⁻¹ · g⁻¹ (corresponding to a ²⁰⁹Po activity concentration of (85.83 ±0.30) Bq · g⁻¹) as of the reference time of 1200 EST 15 March 1994. The calibration was based on 4πα liquid scintillation (LS) measurements with two different LS counting systems and under wide variations in measurement and sample conditions. Confirmatory measurements by 2πα gas-flow proportional counting were also performed. The only known radionuclidic impurity, based on α- and photon-emission spectrometry, is a trace quantity of ²⁰⁸Po. The ²⁰⁸Po to ²⁰⁹Po impurity ratio as of the reference time was 0.00124 ±0.00020. All of the above cited uncertainty intervals correspond to a combined standard uncertainty multiplied by a coverage factor of k = 2. Although ²⁰⁹Po is nearly a pure α emitter with only a weak electron capture branch to ²⁰⁹Bi, LS measurements of the ²⁰⁹Po a decay are confounded by an a transition to a 2.3 keV (J^π= 1/2⁻) level in ²⁰⁵Pb which was previously unknown to be a delayed isomeric state.     

Electronic conduction in La-based perovskite-type oxides

A systematic study of La-based perovskite-type oxides from the viewpoint of their electronic conduction properties was performed. LaCo_0.5Ni_0.5O_3±δ was found to be a promising candidate as a replacement for standard metals used in oxide electrodes and wiring that are operated at temperatures up to 1173 K in air because of its high electrical conductivity and stability at high temperatures. LaCo_0.5Ni_0.5O_3±δ exhibits a high conductivity of 1.9 × 10³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature (R.T.) because of a high carrier concentration n of 2.2 × 10²² cm⁻³ and a small effective mass m∗ of 0.10 m_e. Notably, LaCo_0.5Ni_0.5O_3±δ exhibits this high electrical conductivity from R.T. to 1173 K, and little change in the oxygen content occurs under these conditions. LaCo_0.5Ni_0.5O_3±δ is the most suitable for the fabrication of oxide electrodes and wiring, though La_1−xSr_xCoO_3±δ and La_1−xSr_xMnO_3±δ also exhibit high electronic conductivity at R.T., with maximum electrical conductivities of 4.4 × 10³ S cm⁻¹ for La_0.5Sr_0.5CoO_3±δ and 1.5 × 10³ S cm⁻¹ for La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO_3±δ because oxygen release occurs in La_1−xSr_xCoO_3±δ as elevating temperature and the electrical conductivity of La_0.6Sr_0.4MnO_3±δ slightly decreases at temperatures above 400 K.     

Standardization of 63Ni by 4πβ Liquid Scintillation Spectrometry With 3H-Standard Efficiency Tracing

The low energy (E_βmax = 66.945 keV ± 0.004 keV) β-emitter ⁶³Ni has become increasingly important in the field of radionuclidic metrology. In addition to having a low β-endpoint energy, the relatively long half-life (101.1 a ± 1.4 a) makes it an appealing standard for such applications. This paper describes the recent preparation and calibration of a new solution Standard Reference Material of ⁶³Ni, SRM 4226C, released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The massic activity C_A for these standards was determined using 4πβ liquid scintillation (LS) spectrometry with ³H-standard efficiency tracing using the CIEMAT/NIST method, and is certified as 50.53 kBq ·g⁻¹ ± 0.46 Bq · g⁻¹ at the reference time of 1200 EST August 15, 1995. The uncertainty given is the expanded (coverage factor k = 2 and thus a 2 standard deviation estimate) uncertainty based on the evaluation of 28 different uncertainty components. These components were evaluated on the basis of an exhaustive number (976) of LS counting measurements investigating over 15 variables. Through the study of these variables it was found that LS cocktail water mass fraction and ion concentration play important roles in cocktail stability and consistency of counting results. The results of all of these experiments are discussed.     

Interlaboratory Comparison of Magnetic Thin Film Measurements

A potential low magnetic moment standard reference material (SRM) was studied in an interlaboratory comparison. The mean and the standard deviation of the saturation moment m_s, the remanent moment m_r, and the intrinsic coercivity H_c of nine samples were extracted from hysteresis-loop measurements. Samples were measured by thirteen laboratories using inductive-field loopers, vibrating-sample magnetometers, alternating-gradient force magnetometers, and superconducting quantum-interference-device magnetometers. NiFe films on Si substrates had saturation moment measurements reproduced within 5 % variation among the laboratories. The results show that a good candidate for an SRM must have a highly square hysteresis loop (m_r/m_s > 90 %), H_c ≈ 400 A·m⁻¹ (5 Oe), and m_s ≈ 2 × 10⁻⁷ A·m² (2 × 10⁻⁴ emu).     

Mechanochemically synthesized CsH2PO4–H3PW12O40 composites as proton-conducting electrolytes for fuel cell systems in a dry atmosphere

Cesium dihydrogen phosphate (CsH₂PO₄, CDP) and dodecaphosphotungstic acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀·nH₂O, WPA·nH₂O) were mechanochemically milled to synthesize CDP–WPA composites. The ionic conductivities of these composites were measured by an ac impedance method under anhydrous conditions. Despite the synthesis temperatures being much lower than the dehydration and phase-transition temperatures of CDP under anhydrous conditions, the ionic conductivities of the studied composites increased significantly. The highest ionic conductivity of 6.58×10⁻⁴ Scm⁻¹ was achieved for the 95CDP·5WPA composite electrolyte at 170 °C under anhydrous conditions. The ionic conduction was probably induced in the percolated interfacial phase between CDP and WPA. The phenomenon of high ionic conduction differs for the CDP–WPA composite and pure CDP or pure WPA under anhydrous conditions. The newly developed hydrogen interaction between CDP and WPA supports anhydrous proton conduction in the composites.     

High-pressure high-temperature synthesis and structure of α-tetragonal boron

Microcrystals of α-tetragonal (α-t) boron with unit cell parameters a=9.05077(6) and c=5.13409(6) Å and measured density 2.16–2.22 g cm⁻³ were obtained by pyrolysis of decaborane B₁₀H₁₄ at pressures of 8–9 GPa and temperatures of 1100–1600 ^○C. The crystal structure is in good agreement with the model proposed by Hoard et al (1958 J. Am. Chem. Soc. 80 4507). However, compared to the original model, we found small deformations of icosahedra and changes in the interatomic distances within the unit cell of the synthesized α-t boron.     

Calcium Fluoride Precipitation and Deposition From 12 mmol/L Fluoride Solutions With Different Calcium Addition Rates

The effects of different Ca-addition rates on calcium fluoride (CaF₂) precipitation and deposition were investigated in 12 mmol/L sodium fluoride solutions to which 0.1 mol/L calcium chloride solution was continuously added at average rates of (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15 or 20) mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹. The changes in ionic fluoride and calcium concentrations, as well as turbidity, were continuously recorded by F and Ca electrodes, and a fiber optic based spectrophotometer, respectively. The F⁻ concentration decreased and turbidity increased with time indicating precipitation of CaF₂. For the systems with Ca-addition rates of (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 20) mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹, the 1 min CaF₂ depositions in the model substrate (cellulose filter paper, pores 0.2 µm) expressed as mean ± SD of deposited F per substrate surface area were (3.78 ± 0.31, 11.45 ± 0.89, 9.31 ± 0.68, 8.20 ± 0.56, 6.63 ± 0.43, and 2.09 ± 0.28) µg/cm², respectively (n = 10 for each group). The 1-min F depositions did not show positive correlation to Ca-addition rates. The lowest 1-min F deposition was obtained in the systems with the highest Ca-addition rate of 20 mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹ for which CaF₂ precipitation rate reached the maximum value of 0.31 mmol L⁻¹ s⁻¹ almost immediately after beginning of reaction (6 s). The largest 1-min F depositions were obtained from the systems with Ca addition rates of (7.5 to 12.5) mmol L⁻¹ min⁻¹ in which CaF₂ precipitation rates continuously increased reaching the maximum values of (0.13 to 0.20) mmol L⁻¹ s⁻¹ after (18 to 29) s, respectively. The 1-min F depositions were greatly enhanced in comparison with the control F solutions that did not have continuous Ca-addition. This indicates that continuous Ca addition that controls the rate of CaF₂ formation could be a critical factor for larger F depositions from F solutions. The efficacy of conventional F mouthrinses could be improved with addition of a substance that continuously releases Ca.     

An Absolute Calibration of the National Bureau of Standards Thermal Neutron Flux

The NBS Thermal Neutron Flux has been calibrated in terms of the gold thermal neutron capture cross section. The effective thermal neutron (below cadmium cutoff energy) flux density is estimated to be 4307 ± 2 percent n/cm² sec in September 1961. This figure is in agreement with a recent value quoted by the NBS.     

Experimental and Theoretical Study of Kinetics of Bulk Crystallization in Poly(Chlorotrifluoroethylene)

The rate of isothermal bulk crystallization of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene), T_m=221° C, was measured from 170° to 200° C. The intrinsic bulk crystallization, which accurately followed an n = 2 law, was shown to be a result of the injection of primary nuclei sporadically in time, with one-dimensional growth of centers derived from these nuclei. The crystallites are exceedingly small. The one-dimensional growth process was isolated by nucleating specimens with seed crystals, and its temperature-dependence determined between 191° and 205° C. The seed crystal isotherms followed an n = 1 law. The temperature coefficients of the rate of nucleation and the rate of growth were both strongly negative.A theory of homogeneous nucleation that takes into account the segmental character of the polymer chains is developed in some detail. A cylindrical nucleus is assumed. In the temperature range near the melting point, region A, where the radius and length of the nucleus are unrestricted, the rate of nucleation is shown to be proportional to exp(−α/T³ΔT²). The nucleation rate is proportional to exp (−β/T²ΔT) in region B, which extends from somewhat below the melting point to considerably lower temperatures; the length of the nucleus has a constant value l₀ in this region, but the radius is unrestricted. (In the above expressions, α and β are constants). Finally, at sufficiently low temperatures, region C is entered. Under certain circumstances, the rate of nucleation in region C will be extremely rapid, and correspond to a “nucleative collapse” of the supercooled liquid state. A calculation of the one-dimensional growth rate shows that it is proportional to exp(−γ/T²ΔT) where β=γ.A careful analysis of the experimental data obtained between 170° and 200° C clearly showed that both the rate of nucleation and the rate of growth were proportional to exp(−β/T²ΔT), and not exp(−α/T³ΔT²). The primary nucleation event was thus of type B in this interval. A detailed analysis of the data is given, and surface free energies and the dimensions of the nuclei quoted. Quenching experiments, where the polymer was crystallized well below 170° C, gave a firm indication of the existence of region C.An experimental study was made of the extremely slow crystallization process that prevailed when the degree of crystallinity became high. The onset of this stage of the crystallization was interpreted as being the result of a massive degree of impingement. This interpretation is justified by the calculations of Lauritzen, who has given a theory of impingements that predicts a pseudoequilibrium degree of crystallinity.As indicated above, the growth process originating at homogeneous nuclei is not of a three-dimensional or spherulitic character in the region of study. Such stray spherulites as do appear in this region are shown to originate at heterogeneities. The possibility that the intrinsic growth process may become three-dimensional at crystallization temperatures sufficiently near T_m is discussed.     

Acid Dissociation Constant and Related Thermodynamic Quantities for Triethanolammonium Ion in Water From 0 to 50°C

Earlier studies of the dissociation constants of monoethanolammonium and diethanolammonium ions and the thermodynamic constants for the dissociation processes have been supplemented by a similar study of triethanolammonium ion from 0° to 50° C. The dissociation constant (K_bh) is given by the formula ?log K_bh = 1341.16/T + 4.6252 ? 0.0045666Twhere T is in degrees Kelvin. The order of acidic strengths of the ions is as follows: Triethanolammonium >diethanolammonium>monethanolammonium. Conversely, monoethanolamine is the strongest of the three bases. The thermodynamic constants for the dissociation of one mole of triethanolammonium ion in the standard state at 25° C are as follows: Heat content change (ΔH°) 33.450 joule mole⁻¹; entropy change (ΔS°), −36.4 joule deg⁻¹ mole⁻¹; heat-capacity change (ΔCp°), 52 joule deg⁻¹ mole⁻¹.     

Measurement of Neutron Decay Parameters—The abBA Experiment

We are developing an experiment to measure the correlations a, A, and B, and the Fierz interference term b in neutron decay, with a precision of approximately 10⁻⁴. The experiment uses an electromagnetic spectrometer in combination with two large-area segmented silicon detectors to detect the proton and electron from the decay in coincidence, with 4π acceptance for both particles. For the neutron-polarization-dependent observables A and B, precision neutron polarimetry is achieved through the combination of a pulsed neutron beam, under construction at the SNS, and a polarized ³He neutron polarizer. Measuring a and A in the same apparatus provides a redundant determination of λ = g_A/g_V. Uncertainty in λ dominates the uncertainty of CKM unitarity tests.     

Precision Neutron Polarimetry for Neutron Beta Decay

The abBA collaboration is developing a new type of field-expansion spectrometer for a measurement of the three correlation coefficients a, A, and B and the shape parameter b. The measurement of A and B requires precision neutron polarimetry. We will polarize a pulsed cold neutron beam from the SNS using a ³He neutron spin filter. The well-known polarizing cross section for n-³He has a 1/v dependence, where v is the neutron velocity, which is used to determine the absolute beam polarization through a time-of-flight (TOF) measurement. We show that by measuring the TOF dependence of A and B, the coefficients and the neutron polarization can be determined with a small loss of the statistical precision and with negligible systematic error. We conclude that it is possible to determine the neutron polarization averaged over a long run in the neutron beta decay experiment with a statistical error less than 10⁻⁴. We discuss various sources of systematic uncertainty in the measurement of A and B and conclude that the fractional systematic errors are less than 2 × 10⁻⁴.     

Infrared Spectrum of the v2+ v6 Band of C13C12H6

The infrared spectrum of the v₂+v₆ band of C¹³C¹²H₆ has been analyzed and a value of B₀= 0.64865 ±0.00005 cm⁻¹ determined. When this value is combined with that found in recent work on isotopically normal ethane, a “r_s” value of 1.527±0.004 A for the carboncarbon bond distance is obtained. (Uncertainties are probable errors.)     

Project of Neutron Beta-Decay A-Asymmetry Measurement With Relative Accuracy of (1–2)×10?3

We are going to use a polarized cold neutron beam and an axial magnetic field in the shape of a bottle formed by a superconducting magnetic system. Such a configuration of magnetic fields allows us to extract the decay electrons inside a well-defined solid angle with high accuracy. An electrostatic cylinder with a potential of 25 kV defines the detected region of neutron decays. The protons, which come from this region will be accelerated and registered by a proton detector. The use of coincidences between electron and proton signals will allow us to considerably suppress the background. The final accuracy of the A-asymmetry will be determined by the uncertainty of the neutron beam polarization measurement which is at the level of (1–2) × 10⁻³, as shown in previous studies.