New search for mirror neutron regeneration

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new experimental approach using cold neutrons to search for mirror neutron oscillations, aiming to clarify previous anomalous results and test theories related to neutron lifetime anomalies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel technique with existing neutron scattering instruments to unambiguously detect mirror neutron oscillations and verify prior experimental claims.

Findings

Potential to fully explore previous ultracold neutron search parameter space

Ability to confirm or refute earlier anomalous results

Test of oscillation-based explanations for neutron lifetime anomaly

Abstract

The possibility of relatively fast neutron oscillations into a mirror neutron state is not excluded experimentally when a mirror magnetic field is considered. Direct searches for the disappearance of neutrons into mirror neutrons in a controlled magnetic field have previously been performed using ultracold neutrons, with some anomalous results reported. We describe a technique using cold neutrons to perform a disappearance and regeneration search, which would allow us to unambiguously identify a possible oscillation signal. An experiment using the existing General Purpose-Small Angle Neutron Scattering instrument at the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory will have the sensitivity to fully explore the parameter space of prior ultracold neutron searches and confirm or refute previous claims of observation. This instrument can also conclusively test the validity of recently suggested oscillation-based explanations for the neutron lifetime anomaly.