Theoretical Analysis of Antineutron-Nucleus Data needed for Antineutron Mirrors in Neutron-Antineutron Oscillation Experiments

TL;DR

This paper analyzes antineutron-nucleus scattering data to assess materials for neutron mirrors in neutron-antineutron oscillation experiments, aiming to improve experimental sensitivity and guide future research.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of antineutron-nucleus scattering lengths, especially for low A nuclei, and suggests materials and experimental approaches for future neutron-antineutron oscillation searches.

Findings

Identifies suitable materials for neutron/antineutron guides.

Evaluates systematic uncertainties in oscillation time estimates.

Proposes future experiments for better scattering length measurements.

Abstract

The values of the antineutron-nucleus scattering lengths, and in particular their imaginary parts, are needed to evaluate the feasibility of using neutron mirrors in laboratory experiments to search for neutron-antineutron oscillations. We analyze existing experimental and theoretical constraints on these values with emphasis on low $A$ nuclei and use the results to suggest materials for the neutron/antineutron guide and to evaluate the systematic uncertainties in estimating the neutron-antineutron oscillation time. As an example we discuss a scenario for a future neutron-antineutron oscillation experiment proposed for the European Spallation Source. We also suggest future experiments which can provide a better determination of the values of antineutron-nuclei scattering lengths.