4. Neutron Optics

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This chapter discusses the neutron optics. The demonstration and utilization of interference on a macroscopic scale, through various neutron interferometer techniques, has granted experimental access to direct manipulation of the phase of neutron de Broglie waves, modified by the various influences of gravity, inertia, material media, and magnetic fields. There has been a continuing series of fundamental experiments probing the properties of neutrons and nuclei on the one hand and the foundations of quantum mechanics on the other. The chapter discusses the phenomena of rectilinear propagation in free space and deflection by gravitational and magnetic fields, as well as by material media. The diffraction of neutrons by macroscopic objects, such as edges, slits, and zone plates, has also been demonstrated, in a range of experiments that parallel those of classical optics and allow the quantitative verification of various fundamental propositions in quantum mechanics. Recent development in neutron optics has been the demonstration and utilization of interference on a macroscopic scale. Neutron interferometry has granted experimental access not only to the relative intensities but also to the relative phases of neutron wave functions, when modified by various influences such as gravity, inertia, material media, and magnetic fields. This has enabled the performance of a continuing series of fundamental experiments probing the properties of neutrons and nuclei on the one hand and the foundations of quantum mechanics on the other.

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