Topological shaping of vortex neutron beams using forked phase gratings

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the generation of vortex neutron beams with specific orbital angular momentum using forked phase gratings, employing SESANS for precise phase-sensitive measurement of neutron OAM.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to produce and measure vortex neutron beams with topological charge using forked phase gratings and SESANS.

Findings

Successful generation of vortex neutron beams with various topological charges.

SESANS provides a more precise measurement of neutron OAM compared to previous techniques.

The method enables detailed study of topological and textured condensed matter systems.

Abstract

Beams of light or matter that carry well-defined states of orbital angular momentum (OAM) are promising probes of topological and textured condensed matter systems such as magnetic skyrmions. Using spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering (SESANS), we demonstrate the production of vortex neutron beams from forked phase gratings of various topological charges. In contrast to some previous techniques used to verify OAM production, SESANS is a more precise measurement of the neutron's OAM as it is a phase-sensitive, interferometric technique that directly measures the phase between the scattered neutron spin states.