Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Surface Roughness Effect On Ultracold Neutron Interaction With A Wall And Implications For Computer Simulations, Albert Steyerl, Surendra S. Malik, A. M. Desai, Charles Kaufman

Physics Faculty Publications

We review the diffuse scattering and the loss coefficient in ultracold neutron reflection from slightly rough surfaces, report a surprising reduction in loss coefficient due to roughness, and discuss the possibility of transition from quantum treatment to ray optics. The results are used in a computer simulation of neutron storage in a recent neutron lifetime experiment that reported a large discrepancy of neutron lifetime with the current particle data value. Our partial reanalysis suggests the possibility of systematic effects that were not included in this publication.