Neutron interference from a split-crystal interferometer

TL;DR

This paper reports the first successful operation of a neutron interferometer with a separate beam recombining crystal, achieved through precise alignment, enabling new possibilities for neutron interferometry applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of a split-crystal neutron interferometer, a novel design that differs from traditional single-crystal setups.

Findings

Achieved neutron interference with a split-crystal setup

Aligned two crystals on nanoradian and picometer scales

Opened new possibilities for neutron interferometry applications

Abstract

We report the first successful operation of a neutron interferometer having a separate beam recombining crystal. We achieved this result at the neutron interferometry setup S18 at the ILL in Grenoble by a collaboration between TU Wien, ILL Grenoble and INRIM Torino. While previous interferometers were machined out of a single crystal block, we managed to align two crystals on nanoradian and picometer scales, as required to obtain neutron interference. As a decisive proof of principle demonstration, it opens the door to a new generation of neutron interferometers and exciting applications.