Quantum Information Approach to the Implementation of a Neutron Cavity

TL;DR

This paper models neutron confinement in a silicon crystal cavity using quantum information theory, specifically quantum random walks, and validates the model with experimental data, opening new avenues for neutron studies.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum information model for neutron cavities based on quantum random walks, aligning well with experimental results and aiding future neutron experiments.

Findings

Good agreement between simulation and experiment

Conditions for well-defined neutron bounces derived

Model enables new neutron confinement studies

Abstract

Using the quantum information model of dynamical diffraction we consider a neutron cavity composed of two perfect crystal silicon blades capable of containing the neutron wavefunction. We show that the internal confinement of the neutrons through Bragg diffraction can be modelled by a quantum random walk. Good agreement is found between the simulation and the experimental implementation. Analysis of the standing neutron waves is presented in regards to the crystal geometry and parameters; and the conditions required for well-defined bounces are derived. The presented results enable new approaches to studying the setups utilizing neutron confinement, such as the experiments to measure neutron magnetic and electric dipole moments.