Neutron-Antineutron Oscillations in Nuclei Revisited

Abstract

An upper limit on $n-\bar n$ oscillations can be obtained from the stability of matter. This relation has been worked out theoretically and together with data yields $\tau_{n\bar n} > (1 - 2)\times 10^8 sec$. A recent publication claims a different relation and finds a nuclear suppression of the $n\to\bar n$ oscillations which is two orders of magnitude weaker than the previous evaluations. Using the same approach we find, nevertheless, that the earlier estimates are correct and conclude that future experiments with free neutrons from reactors are capable to put a stronger limit on the $n - \bar n$ oscillation time than experiments with large amount of neutrons bound in nuclei.