Can Neutrons Be Redirected Through Macroscopic Means?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter NERV
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Neutron
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of redirecting neutrons through macroscopic means, exploring various methods and their feasibility. Participants consider theoretical and practical approaches, including electromagnetic and magnetic interactions, as well as optical effects with cold neutrons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that neutrons cannot be deflected by electromagnetic force due to their uncharged nature and seeks alternative methods.
  • Another participant suggests that a magnetic field might work since neutrons possess a small magnetic moment.
  • It is noted that while fast neutrons may not be easily redirected, thermal or cold neutrons can undergo optical effects, allowing for the potential use of mirrors and lenses.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of magnetic fields, citing the small magnetic moment of neutrons, but appreciates the idea of mirrors for cold neutrons.
  • A participant mentions the use of neutron mirrors in fission bombs and inquires about the energy range of interest.
  • It is discussed that neutrons can scatter off electrons through magnetic moment interactions, and at high momentum transfer, these interactions can be significant.
  • Another participant emphasizes that while magnetic interactions exist, they are localized and may not provide a macroscopic solution for bending neutron beams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of magnetic fields for redirecting neutrons, with some supporting the idea of using mirrors for cold neutrons while others remain skeptical. The discussion does not reach a consensus on a definitive method for macroscopic redirection of neutrons.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the energy ranges of neutrons and the effectiveness of proposed methods, particularly concerning the scale of interactions and the conditions under which they may apply.

NERV
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I know there is no way to deflect a neutron by electromagnetic force since it is a uncharged particle.Can anyone come up with any other ways?Thanks very much.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Magnetic field perhaps? Neutrons have a (small) magnetic moment.
 
For fast neutrons, there's not much hope. However, thermal or cold neutrons undergo optical effects (you can - up to a point - make mirrors and lenses for them).

Otherwise, yes, magnetic forces, but they'll be tiny effects on the trajectory.
 
i don't think magnetic field would do the trick.. afterall the magnetic moment of the neutron is very small.. but i like vanesch's idea of mirrors :) i don't know if it's been tested yet ;)
 
You have neutron mirrors in fission-bombs (a.k.a Atomic Bombs)

In what energy range are you interested in NERV?
 
Neutrons are scattered by electrons via a magnetic moment-moment interaction.
At high momentum transfer, the magnetic interaction is larger than the charge interaction,
so neutrons are scattered about as much as protons by EM interactions.
Neutrons are scattered by hadrons and nuclei via the strong interaction.
 
napaDokc said:
i don't think magnetic field would do the trick.. afterall the magnetic moment of the neutron is very small.. but i like vanesch's idea of mirrors :) i don't know if it's been tested yet ;)

We use them all the time but only for thermal or cold ones. We have "optical fibres" that guide neutrons. We even have "fully reflective" mirrors, but that only works with ultracold (micro-electron volt) neutrons. This is a company that makes them, for instance (random googling) http://www.swissneutronics.ch/products/concept-supermirrors.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
clem said:
Neutrons are scattered by electrons via a magnetic moment-moment interaction.
At high momentum transfer, the magnetic interaction is larger than the charge interaction,
so neutrons are scattered about as much as protons by EM interactions.
Neutrons are scattered by hadrons and nuclei via the strong interaction.

But that is a very local (microscopic)scattering. I think the OP is looking for a global (macroscopic) way to bend a neutron beam or similar. Otherwise it is just a 'random walk' - scattering which you use in 'ordinary' neutron detectors for instance.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Why Can't We Construct a Particle Consisting Only of Neutrons?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Can proton/neutron decay be avoided in some conditions?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Graduate Kerma from neutron irradiation
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
High School Can a hydrogen atom become a neutron?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School What Are the Key Safety Concerns When Building a Fusor for Nuclear Fusion?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Energy needed to convert a bound proton to a neutron?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad The fate of neutron rich nuclei
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Nucleus energy levels, neutron energy
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Undergrad Discussion of free neutron lifetime
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Graduate Pandora's Box: Carbon-14 vicious cycle from transmutation
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K