Precision neutron interferometric measurement of the nd coherent neutron scattering length and consequences for models of three-nucleon forces
Abstract
We have performed the first high precision measurement of the coherent neutron scattering length of deuterium in a pure sample using neutron interferometry. We find bnd = (6.665 +/- 0.004) fm in agreement with the world average of previous measurements using different techniques, bnd = (6.6730 +/- 0.0045) fm. We compare the new world average for the nd coherent scattering length bnd = (6.669 +/- 0.003) fm to calculations of the doublet and quartet scattering lengths from several modern nucleon-nucleon potential models with three-nucleon force (3NF) additions and show that almost all theories are in serious disagreement with experiment. This comparison is a more stringent test of the models than past comparisons with the less precisely-determined nuclear doublet scattering length of and = (0.65 +/- 0.04) fm.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.