Refraction of Thermal Neutrons by Shaped Magnetic Fields

Abstract

The refractive bending of thermal neutrons by shaped magnetic fields has been studied experimentally and compared with that calculated from the field distribution. The small deflections, a few seconds arc, were measured on a double-crystal spectrometer utilizing matched perfect silicon crystals. Deflections were measured for a beam of polarized neutrons upon its polarization reversal for field regions of both prismatic and cylindrical configuration. The focusing and polarizing character of a magnetic lens have been observed.