Stern-Gerlach Experiment on Polarized Neutrons

Abstract

A neutron beam was polarized by total reflection from a magnetized iron mirror. The beam was then analyzed by passing it through an inhomogeneous magnetic field. From the deflection pattern obtained, it is inferred that the resultant neutron spin in the polarized beam was parallel to the magnetic field applied to the mirror. Thus the nuclear and magnetic scattering amplitudes for iron are of the same sign when the neutron spin and electronic spin are oppositely directed, and conversely.